Project R-12702

Identification of multiple sclerosis-specific cytotoxic CD4 T cells (Research)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system aberrantly targets the central nervous system. In our longstanding research line on CD4 cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD4 CTL), we have identified that these cells are highly pro-inflammatory and pathogenic in the context of MS (Broux, Trends Mol Med, 2012). They are able to migrate into the brain of MS patients, and express cytotoxic molecules, thereby contributing to local tissue damage (Broux, J Autoimmun, 2012). In addition, we have shown that the presence of these cells in the blood correlates to MS severity and predicts progression (Peeters, Front Immunol, 2017). We (Thewissen, Cell Immunol, 2007) and others previously found significant correlations between CD4 CTL in peripheral blood seropositivity for cytomegalovirus (CMV), but not Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). However, the origin of CD4 CTL in MS patients still remains elusive. The aim of this project is to elucidate whether these cells arise from the chronic inflammation induced by MS, or by a common latent virus, CMV, using flow cytometry.

01 March 2022 - 01 March 2023