A novel use of human genetics to recruit participants for MS research

A person’s risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) is influenced by both their genes and environmental factors. Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which causes glandular fever, has been shown to be a necessary step in the development of MS, although most people who contract EBV never go on to develop the disease.

This suggests that differences in how people’s immune systems respond to EBV, which are strongly influenced by genetics, may play an important role in MS risk.

This project will compare EBV, MS, and immune-related measures in people with either a ‘high’ or ‘low’ genetic risk of developing MS. To achieve this, Dr Stacey and the research team will employ an innovative study design called recall by genotype, a method that selects participants based on their genetic risk.

This approach has not yet been used in MS research, either in Australia or internationally. Unlike most studies that compare people with and without MS, none of the participants in this study will have the disease. This means any differences observed are more likely to reflect early biological processes that contribute to MS, rather than changes caused by the disease itself.

The aim of the project is to test how feasible it is to use this approach in MS research and to prepare for a larger study in future. The team will: (i) refine methods for selecting and inviting participants based on genetic risk; (ii) explore the ethical, legal and social implications of using genetic information for research recruitment; and (iii) fine-tune laboratory methods to measure key immune and viral markers.

This work may improve our understanding of how MS develops and could help identify new ways to predict, prevent or treat the disease.