Mapping the cellular network in MS

Associate Professor Umaimainthan Palendira

February 2025

specialisation: Immunology

focus area: Causes and Prevention

funding type: Incubator

project type: Investigator Led Research

Summary

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 their roles remain poorly understood. In addition, it is not fully understood how immune cells infiltrate the lesions and interact with each other.

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 can be studied and have led to the full mapping of cells and molecules. These maps show the types, locations, and interactions of cells and molecules.

Associate Professor Umaimainthan Palendira and Professor Georges Grau from The University of Sydney propose to map the cellular landscape of 10 MS brain lesions and 10 non-MS brain lesions, using these advanced tools. From this, we will better understand 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 cells and how they could contribute to the disease process.

lead investigator

Associate Professor Umaimainthan Palendira

co-investigator

start year

2025

STATUS

Current project

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Mapping the cellular network in MS