How are inflammatory immune cells switched on in MS?

Dr Iain Comerford

The University of Adelaide, SA

February 2025

specialisation: Immunology

focus area: Causes and Prevention

funding type: Incubator

project type: Investigator Led Research

Summary

MS is a chronic condition caused by harmful immune responses that attack the body’s own nerve cells. How these immune responses are controlled is still not fully understood. However, recent evidence suggests that certain immune cells, including neutrophils and T cells, play important roles in this process. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that typically help protect against infection, but in MS, they may contribute to nerve cell damage. T cells are another type of immune cell involved in coordinating the body’s immune response, and one type, called pathogenic Th17 cells, is known to contribute to MS.

Dr. Iain Comerford and his team are investigating how neutrophils interact with T cells in MS to drive inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. Their preliminary findings in a model of MS suggest that neutrophils may prompt T cells to adopt a “pro-inflammatory” profile that worsens MS-related damage. This project will study the specific signals between neutrophils and T cells to better understand how this harmful interaction occurs.

By identifying the molecules involved in neutrophil and T cell communication, Dr. Comerford’s team hopes to reveal new therapeutic targets that could reduce inflammation in MS, potentially leading to treatments that limit immune cell damage and protect nerve cells in people with MS.

lead investigator

co-investigator

Mr Caleb Wong Han
Professor Shaun McColl
Dr Blagojce Jovcevski

total funding

$25,000

start year

2025

duration

1

STATUS

Current project

Stages of the research process

Fundamental laboratory Research

Laboratory research that investigates scientific theories behind the possible causes, disease progression, ways to diagnose and better treat MS.

Lab to clinic timeline

10+ years

Translational Research

Research that builds on fundamental scientific research to develop new therapies, medical procedures or diagnostics and advances it closer to the clinic.

Lab to clinic timeline

5+ years

Clinical Studies and Clinical Trials

Clinical research is the culmination of fundamental and translational research turning those research discoveries into treatments and interventions for people with MS.

Lab to clinic timeline

3+ years

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How are inflammatory immune cells switched on in MS?