Next-generation immunological analysis of a cohort of monozygotic twins discordant for Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis.

• Applicants: Professorin Dr. Luisa Klotz; Professor Nicholas Schwab, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Molecular and Cellular Neurology and Neuropathology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 515678129

The pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, is still not fully understood. In this study, we will make use of a unique cohort of monozygotic twins discordant for MS, to decipher MS-related immune alterations with a particular focus on the T-cell compartment. We will associate MS-related phenotypic immune alterations with genetic trait loci to elucidate the genotype/phenotype interplay, and we will analyze the T-cell receptor repertoire in MS versus healthy twins. Key results will be validated in an independent cohort of early MS patients.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Professorin Dr. Lisa-Ann Gerdes