Stimulation of Blood Cells Reduces Brain Inflammation in MS Patients

In patients with Multiple Sclerosis, hyperactivity in the body's T-cells causes chronic inflammation and deterioration of the brain. Scientists have found that stimulating another group of cells can mitigate the problems of brain inflammation and the diseases caused by it.

These stimulated white blood cells belong to a group called lymphocytes. Researchers at the University of Copenhagen, in collaboration with the Danish multiple Sclerosis Centre and Centre d'Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya in Barcelona, have found that a molecule called FoxA1 in these cells is responsible for its development and suppressive functions. The results of their study have been published in the journal Nature Medicine.

In a biological model, the scientists stimulated the regulatory blood cells and found that levels brain inflammation and disease decreased. These cells combat the hyperactive T-cells, which are the main culprits of the inflammation. This new discovery can be of great significance since MS cases have increased by 10% over the past five years. Professor Yawei Liu is leading the experimental studies and is satisfied with the results thus far.

"When inserting FoxA1 into normal lymphocytes with gene therapy, we could change them to actively regulate inflammation and inhibit multiple sclerosis," said Liu, in this EurekAlert! article.

This is the first discovery of its kind with the ability to potentially control multiple sclerosis. In the experiments, the scientists were able to slow the multiple sclerosis-like disease in mice, which reveals promising medical information for humans. They believe that further research on the focus of FoxA1 could help MS patients who suffer from more chronic and progressive cases. Additionally, it could help those who have a resistance to existing medication.

The University's next goal is to focus on the activation of lymphocytes through chemical stimulation and gene therapy in hopes of developing a new treatment strategy. Furthermore, such research may also help provide insight toward other inflammatory diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

To read more about this study and multiple sclerosis, visit this EurekAlert! article.