Leveraging helminth infection to limit neuroinflammation in MS

Start Term
End Term
Funding Amount
$299,500
Affiliation(s)
University of British Columbia
Geographic Region(s) / Province(s)
British Columbia
Researcher(s)
Dr. Lisa Osborne
Research Priorities
Repair/Remyelination
Impact Goal(s)
Understand and Halt Disease Progression

Summary: 

  • Infection with helminth (a worm-like microbe) in mice results in delayed onset of MS-like symptoms as well as sex differences in disease outcomes. 
  • Dr. Lisa Osborne and team aim to further characterize these sex differences in the central nervous system of helminth-infected mice at different stages of MS development. 
  • Knowledge generated from this research will be important for understanding new pathways and potential targets for developing new therapies. 

Project Description: 

Previously, Dr. Lisa Osborne and team found that mice infected with a helminth, worm-like microbe, showed delayed development of MS-like disease. They also found that helminth-infected female mice experienced severe disease for only a short-period of time and then undergo remission. In contrast, helminth-infected male mice developed severe and persistent disease resembling progressive MS where the symptoms did not resolve. These findings are consistent with clinical observations of MS in humans. 

The researchers aim to use this mouse model to further examine differences in the central nervous system of male and female helminth-infected mice before, during, and after MS disease symptoms. Specifically, the researchers will examine immune cell recruitment and function in the central nervous system, with particular attention to the effects on microglia, and identify how helminth infection reduces inflammation and damage, and can lead to repair.  

Potential Impact: This research may provide insight on sex-specific differences in MS, and identify pathways activated by helminth infection that may be protective and reduce inflammation in the central nervous system and support repair. The findings may uncover new targets for drug development. 

Project Status: In Progress