Investigating the role of neutrophils in MS

Dr Stephanie Trend and her team have made significant progress in investigating the relationship between neutrophils and B cells in people with MS. They successfully recruited more participants than planned, with 16 individuals with MS compared to the projected 10. The data generated from the analysis of blood neutrophils has undergone quality control checks and is being combined with demographic and clinical data for further analysis.

Using cutting-edge techniques, the researchers have identified distinct sub-populations of neutrophils in individuals with MS, which has highlighted differences with age and sex-matched people living without MS. They are now working on validating these findings in independent samples.

The researchers have also collected and stored B cell samples. They plan to study these samples alongside neutrophil data with the help of Dr. Christian Tjiam from Telethon Kids Institute. The B cell analysis will be completed during 2023, enabling comparisons with neutrophil data.

Dr. Stephanie Trend and her team have trained students and junior scientists in data collection and analysis. Although they’re still analysing the data, they’ve already gained insights into how certain proteins on cell surfaces can be used to study neutrophils. They’ve also noticed differences in activation markers between neutrophils from people with and without MS. Completing the B cell analysis and correlating it with neutrophil data will pave the way for new research ideas.

Updated: 31 March 2023