Project R-13238

Adipose tissue-resident Th cells modulate the adipose tissue-brain axis in multiple sclerosis (Research)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and demyelinating disorder of the brain. One known risk factor for developing MS is obesity. This common health condition leads to a chronic inflammatory state in adipose tissue (AT). However, the link between obese AT and MS remains elusive, but inflammatory processes in AT are likely to be involved. I hypothesize that AT-resident T helper (Th) cells, mediate the increased obesity-related MS risk. Therefore, I aim to establish a mechanistic link between obesity and the role of Th cells with an AT-signature in a murine MS model. I will perform essential further characterization of Th cell subsets in AT of lean and obese individuals and investigate the relation with corresponding Th cells in the central nervous system of MS patients. In summary, the aim of this project is to elucidate the role of Th cells with an AT-signature in the AT-brain axis during MS pathology. Obtained results will greatly impact the current knowledge on predisposing factors of MS development.

01 November 2022 - 31 October 2023