Impact of diet and intestinal microbiota on the gut-CNS-axis – implications for CNS autoimmunity (A08)

• Subject Area: Clinical Neurology; Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology
• Term: from 2012 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 213904703

Our project deals with the mechanisms of gut-mediated modulation of autoimmune CNS responses. We observed that intestinal myeloid cells serve as “gatekeepers” of the intestinal immune system that react to defined dietary signals, thereby modulating systemic immune reactions and CNS autoimmunity. For a an improved modulation of intestinal myeloid cells we now focus on specific probiotic modulators in combination with a synergistic diet to identify the most promising formulation in preclinical MS models. This formulation will then be studied in a human interventional study aiming at therapeutic immune modulation in human MS patients.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 128: Initiating/Effector versus Regulatory Mechanisms in Multiple Sclerosis - Progress towards Tackling the Disease
• Applicant Institution: Universität Münster
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Luisa Klotz; Professor Dr. Detlef Schuppan