Immunological Biomarkers and Mechanisms of MS Relapse
Abstract
This project addresses the following FY20 MSRP Investigator-Initiated Research Award Focus Areas: Primary: Correlates of Disease; Secondary: Factors Contributing to MS Etiology, Prodrome, Onset, and Evolution This research project will study immune biomarkers and mechanisms using a large MS database and biosample collection. The work will identify correlations of new MS relapses and new MRI lesions and will contribute to the understanding of why MS attacks occur and new ways to prevent attack and potentially prevent disease overall. Objectives and Rationale: This research project will identify blood-based immune biomarkers that correlate and potentially predict MS attacks and new lesions. This biomarker can be used to monitor for attacks, treatment response and long-term outcomes. In addition, we will study cellular and cell gene expression profiles to understand which cells are activated at the time of a relapse. This work will identify new treatment immune targets, allowing for the development of more specific therapies to prevent relapses in MS. MS relapses are the earliest manifestation of MS, and an improved understanding of the immune mechanisms of MS relapses can shed new light on the etiology of MS overall. Applicability: Applicability of the research to advances in MS patient care: (1) This research will potentially help relapsing MS patients, by the identification of biomarkers to monitor for attacks or relapses. This could be a periodic blood test that will tell you and your doctor whether you likely having or will have a new attack. This blood test can be used to monitor whether a treatment is working to prevent new attacks or MRI lesions. (2) This work will also identify in the longer term, new ways of preventing relapses with more specific treatments than we currently have. (3) This work can also shed new light on why and how MS occurs, and new ways of preventing MS from starting.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 05, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2110633
Entities
People
- Tanuja Chitnis
Organizations
- United States Army