B cells and B cell directed therapies in CNS inflammation (B08)

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

B cells are an important therapeutic target in MS. In this proposal, we aim to investigate the mechanism of action of different B cell directed therapies that are currently in use or being developed. Specifically, we want to (i) understand why blocking of B cell survival factors by atacicept worsened MS, (ii) characterize CD3+CD20+ T cells in the CNS, and (iii) analyze effects of BTK-inhibition on antibody secreting cells. We combine analysis of autoptic MS tissue, CSF of MS patients and human plasma cells, with in vivo analyses in spontaneous B cell dependent EAE, and in an EAE model featuring ectopic lymphoid follicles in the CNS.

• 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: Professor Dr. Reinhard Hohlfeld, until 12/2020; Professor Dr. Edgar Meinl; Dr. Anneli Peters, since 1/2021