Research We Fund

The Role of EBV, B cells and NKT cells in MS

Summary: Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, an illness highly prevalent among adolescents. Adolescents and young adults with clinically diagnosed infectious mononucleosis have a high risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). The factors linking mononucleosis... Read the full article

Human immunodeficiency virus, antiretroviral drugs and multiple sclerosis risk (HIV-MS)

Summary: Early evidence is looking at human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) association with lowering risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Whether HIV is truly associated with lower risk by its ability to weaken the immune system or through drug therapies for HIV is unknown. The research team will:... Read the full article

Elucidating the mechanistic role of latent EBV infection in the etiology of MS

Summary: Research suggests that Epstein- Barr virus (EBV), the causative agent of mononucleosis, is a potential trigger of multiple sclerosis (MS). The mechanisms regulating MS in individuals infected by EBV is unknown. The research team will: Investigate the immune response in animals with MS-like... Read the full article

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination and multiple sclerosis: A population-based study in Quebec

Affiliation: Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) Summary: Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, which is normally given to protect against tuberculosis, can slow short-term multiple sclerosis (MS) progression. It is unknown if having received the BCG vaccine as a child could prevent... Read the full article

Deciphering the Influence of Epstein-Barr Virus in Multiple Sclerosis

Summary: The goal of the research is to better understand the role of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) in the development and progression of MS. EBV is a common virus that infects people in childhood or early adulthood and remains quiet (causes a latent EBV infection) in our immune system. Project Description:... Read the full article

Targeting T Cell Metabolism to Reduce Neuroinflammation in Multiple Sclerosis

Summary:  Western diet, obesity and related comordities are risk factors for MS onset and progression. Scientific evidence shows that restricting intake of methionine, an essential amino acid found in high-levels in meat-based diets, is associated with a prolonged lifespan (anti-aging), slower cancer... Read the full article

From bugs to brains: the gut microbiome in paediatric multiple sclerosis

Investigators: Dr. Helen Tremlett , The University of British Columbia Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant , University of California San Francisco Dr. Charles Bernstein , University of Manitoba Dr. Gary Van Domselaar , University of Manitoba Dr. Morag Graham , University of Manitoba Project Summary: Microbial communities... Read the full article

It’s a fungal world: the mycobiome in pediatric MS

Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Gary Van Domelaar, Dr. Charles Bernstein, Dr. Morag Graham Summary: The gut microbiome is home to trillions of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. The primary focus for researchers when studying the gut microbiome in multiple sclerosis (MS)... Read the full article