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Immune cell-microbiome interactions and neuroinflammation

Summary: One type of immune cell, call the B cell, can have either anti- or pro-inflammatory properties. The function of the B cell is also thought to be influenced by microbes in the gut microbiome. B cells function is believed to be compromised in multiple sclerosis (MS) and how the gut microbiome... Read the full article

The Role of Antibody-Secreting Cells in MS/EAE

Summary: B cells have a dual role in multiple sclerosis (MS). A subset of B cells slow the disease course in MS while another subset have detrimental effects on MS. The gut microbiome is the richest source of B cells. The role of a subset of B cells, called plasma cells, found in the gut microbiome... Read the full article

Age as a Risk Factor for Multiple Sclerosis Progression: Examining Immune Cell - Microbiome Interactions and Multiple Sclerosis

Summary: This study is examining the molecular and cellular factors that drive multiple sclerosis (MS) progression. Using a novel animal model and human samples, this research aims to understand the effect of both age and microbes in the gut on MS progression. Project Description: The molecular basis... Read the full article

Characteristics of NMOSD and MOGAD in Canada

Background: Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) and Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD) are inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system that mimic MS and are often highly disabling. These conditions do not respond to most multiple sclerosis (MS)... Read the full article

Approaches to Repairing Damaged White Matter in Children and Young Adults with MS

Project Summary: While existing MS therapies effectively target the inflammatory factors related to the disease, there is a need for effective treatments that can reverse the progressive nature of the disease by promoting repair of white matter and reducing disability. Preclinical evidence shows that... Read the full article

Unraveling Immune cell - Microglial interactions in Progressive MS

Lead Investigators: Dr. Jennifer Gommerman (University of Toronto) Dr. Alexandre Prat (University of Montreal) Project Description: This project aims to shed light on how most people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) (RRMS) transition to a secondary progressive phase of MS (SPMS) and... Read the full article

Canadian Prospective Cohort to Understand Progression in People Living with MS (CanProCo) Pediatric-onset Multiple Sclerosis (POMS) Subcohort

Summary: The onset of MS prior to age 18, during pivotal periods of cognitive maturation and development, has a profound impact on the child and their family. A fundamental unmet need is to understand the impact of pediatric-onset MS (POMS) and the recently identified myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein... Read the full article

Immigration and the risk of multiple sclerosis

Summary: Canada is known to have one of the highest multiple sclerosis (MS) rates in the world and while the risk of developing MS is lower in immigrants, it is still higher than in their native countries. It remains unknown why the Canadian environment may pose higher risk to develop MS. The research... Read the full article