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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
Summary: VGF is a molecule that is induced during exercise and is shown to increase myelination. VGF also promotes the maturation of myelin-producing cells called oligodendrocytes. VGF interacts with macrophages/microglia- immune cells that can be both detrimental and beneficial in multiple sclerosis... Read the full article
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
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
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
Summary: Co-existing health conditions that can affect thinking and memory, such as high blood pressure or mood problems, are common in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is unknown whether common co-existing conditions including depression, anxiety, diabetes and high blood pressure increase... Read the full article
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
Summary: Inflammasomes are protein complexes in the immune system that are activated by infection. These complexes are also activated in multiple sclerosis (MS) and promote inflammation and brain injury. The factors regulating inflammasomes in progressive MS are unclear. The research team will: Identify... Read the full article
Investigators: Dr. Brenda Banwell , Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Dr. Ruth Ann Marrie , Health Science Centre Winnipeg Dr. Amit Bar-Or , McGill University Dr. Douglas Arnold , McGill University Dr. Ann Yeh , Hospital for Sick Children Project Summary: Most people think of multiple sclerosis (MS)... Read the full article
Summary: Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s, can start years before clinical diagnosis and are often preceded by a range of health issues. For example, individuals with Parkinson’s may experience depression and constipation years before the classic symptoms, such as motor deficiencies, Read the full article
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
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
