Complete remission induction therapy development of multiple sclerosis by selective - timed activation of the protective microglia

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25461282
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Neurology
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Yamasaki Ryo 九州大学, 大学病院, 講師 (10467946)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): MASAKI Katsuhisa 九州大学, 大学院医学研究院, 助教 (90612903)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: ミクログリア / 多発性硬化症 / アストログリア / 実験的自己免疫性脳脊髄炎 / 筋萎縮性側索硬化症

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Whether microglia which activated in the spinal cord lesions of multiple sclerosis model mice are neuroprotective or neurotoxic is controversial. We have reviewed the gene expression pattern of microglia and discovered that these activated microglia expressed neuroprotective factors. In this study, we aimed to develop new treatment for the chronic phase of multiple sclerosis which there are currently no treatment options by amplifying neuroprotective effect of microglia. In the previous gene expression analysis, expression of EDNRB was up-regulated in activated microglia. It was able to reduce the severity of the disease by the administration of the selective antagonist of EDNRB, BQ788. Therefore, BQ788 was expected as a new therapeutic agents to treat chronic phase of multiple sclerosis.

Free Research Field

神経科学