The Ageing Microbiome and Progressive MS

Start Term
End Term
Funding Amount
$300,000
Affiliation(s)
University of Toronto
Geographic Region(s) / Province(s)
Ontario
Researcher(s)
Dr. Jennifer Gommerman
Impact Goal(s)
Advance Treatment and Care

Summary:

  • The composition of the gut microbiome, the community of microbes that reside in the gut, can influence immune function and neuroinflammation in brain diseases such as MS.
  • By introducing gut microbiota from specific sub-groups of MS patients in an animal model of secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and comparing the impact of these microbial communities, the researchers aim to identify those that promote SPMS brain injury, influence changes in immune system function, and identify the specific factors or by-products made by microbes which may serve as therapeutic targets.
  • Findings from this research will provide insight to the factors that influence progression in MS to support the development of new therapies that target progression.

Project Description:

While an over-active and inappropriate immune response is commonly observed during the early phase of MS (relapsing-remitting MS), the exact factors that influence the disease course over a lifetime of someone with MS is unclear. The composition of the gut microbiome, the community of microbes that co-exist with us, can influence immune function and neuroinflammation in brain diseases such as MS. Mounting evidence shows that the gut microbiota can directly influence the behaviour of immune cells and microglia cells in the brain. If we knew how the microbiota cooperates with immune and brain cells to promote a progressive MS disease course, we could use this information to better understand mechanisms of MS progression, and devise therapies that prevent progression.

Dr. Gommerman and team have developed an animal model that recapitulates aspects of secondary progressive MS (SPMS) brain pathology. By using gut microbiota from specific sub-groups of MS patients and comparing the impact of these microbial communities in this unique animal model, they aim to identify: (1) microbiomes that promote SPMS brain injury; (2) changes in immune system and brain microglia cells in response to these microbiota; and (3) specific by-products made by “pro-SPMS” microbes that may serve as druggable targets for further testing.

Potential Impact:

There are limited therapeutic options for progressive MS. This work will help to understand whether microbes in the gut can promote brain injury leading to SPMS, and in turn identify potential therapeutic targets to prevent disease progression.

Project Status: In progress