Tissue specific regulation of ion channels and immunological responses in multiple sclerosis (A04)

• Subject Area: Molecular and Cellular Neurology and Neuropathology
• Term: from 2012 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 213904703

Many ion channels are expressed on glia cells and neurons and thus are potential targets of autoimmune responses in multiple sclerosis (MS). We identified and characterized immune responses to the inward rectifying potassium channel KIR4.1 in a subset of patients with MS. During the second funding period, we will further investigate tissue specific regulation of KIR4.1 expression and how this relates to B and T cell responses targeting KIR4.1 in the CNS. The study will provide further insights into immune responses to KIR4.1 and how tissue specific modifications impact on immunogenicity of autoantigens.

• 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. Bernhard Hemmer; Privatdozent Dr. Klaus Lehmann-Horn