MS is an autoimmune disease where immune cells attack the brain and spinal cord. Various immune cells have been implicated in this immune-mediated destruction. However, the role of these cells, how they move into the areas of damage (lesions) and how they interact with each other is not well understood.
One of the major challenges has been the lack of tools to help identify the various immune cells in tissues preserved for laboratory analysis. However, recent advances in tools have revolutionised the way these tissues could be studied and have led to full mapping of cells and molecules. These maps show the types, locations, and interactions of cells and molecules.
In this project, Associate Professor Umaimainthan Palendira and Professor Georges Grau are studying human post-mortem brain tissue generously donated to the MS Australian Brain Bank. They are using this tissue to study which cells are present in damaged areas of the brain in MS, and how this differs to damaged areas of the brain of people without MS, using these advanced tools.
From this, we will gain a greater understanding of which immune cells are present within lesions and what cells they interact with or avoid within these lesions. The map may provide insights into the role of these immune cells in MS and how they could contribute to the disease process.
The research has begun to uncover important new information about what is happening inside brain lesions in people with MS.
The team has identified key immune cells in these lesions, particularly around blood vessels, that may be contributing to disease damage.
They have also made an important and unexpected observation in one case, where immune cells appeared to become trapped within blood vessels. This was linked to more severe disease and resembles patterns seen in other serious conditions such as cerebral malaria.
The team is now investigating this further, and another similar case has recently been identified for analysis.
These early findings are already supporting further research. Associate Professor Palendira and Professor Grau have applied for a larger research grant and are preparing a scientific report to share this new discovery with the wider research community.
The project has been extended into 2026 to continue this work.
Updated 31 March 2026Â
$25,000
2025
1 year
Current project
