A project led by The University of Western Australia has received funding to investigate whether immature white blood cells contribute to multiple sclerosis.
A team of researchers received a $249,932 grant over three years from Multiple Sclerosis Australia in partnership with MSWA.
Dr Stephanie Trend, from UWA's Medical School, The Kids Research Institute Australia and Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, is lead investigator of the project.
Dr Trend said multiple sclerosis (MS) was a long-term degenerative disease where the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord, leading to various symptoms including loss of movement and vision, dizziness, fatigue, memory problems and slurred speech.
"While treatments targeting immune cells have improved outcomes for many people with MS, some still experience worsening symptoms over time despite these therapies," Dr Trend said.
"This suggests there is a need for better ways to track the disease and improve treatments."
The project will examine a type of white blood cell called 'immature neutrophils' in people with MS to investigate the functions of the cells and how they respond to current treatments.
"Early research has found that people with MS have higher levels of immature neutrophils in their blood," Dr Trend said.
"Neutrophils are important immune cells that quickly respond to threats, but it's not clear what role these immature cells play in MS."
Researchers hope to find new targets for treatment, improve outcomes for people with MS, and develop better ways to manage the disease, especially in cases where it continues to progress, even with treatment.
Associate Professor Anne Bruestle, from the Australian National University, Dr Luke Garratt and Dr Jonatan Leffler, from UWA and The Kids, Professor Allan Kermode and Dr Marzena Pedrini, from UWA and Perron Institute, are co-investigators on the project.
MS Australia awarded 35 new research grants around the country worth $5.7 million in funding.
MS Australia is a national multiple sclerosis not-for-profit organisation that empowers researchers to identify ways to treat, prevent and cure MS, seeks sustained and systemic policy change via advocacy, and acts as the champion for people affected by MS.
