Group: Immune Response in Multiple Sclerosis
Acronym: RIEM
Registry number: G20/4-04
School/Centre: MEDICINE
Memberships:
Research thematic areas:
1. Study of the role of antibodies as biomarkers in multiple sclerosis
2. Characterisation and role of the B1 lymphocyte in the physiopathology of multiple sclerosis
UNESCO Code: 2412
Keywords:
Autoantibodies, IgM, Lipids, Multiple Sclerosis, B1 Lymphocytes
Relevant characteristics of the research group (description of the group's activity): Our group is focused on the study of innate immunity in different pathologies such as multiple sclerosis (MS), autoimmune illnesses and infectious diseases. Recently, we have described the importance of IgM antibodies in the axonal damage in patients with MS. We have also developed a new ELISA technique that has shown that IgM antibodies to lipids are present in the serum of 90% of MS patients, making it the most sensitive diagnostic technique described to date. We are currently studying the cells responsible for the production of these immunoglobulins, the B1 lymphocytes, to determine the mechanisms responsible for this exacerbated immune response with the aim of characterising new diagnostic, prognostic and treatment response biomarkers and new therapeutic targets. To this end, we will use genomic expression analysis techniques, flow cytometry and functional studies. We have also established collaborations to investigate the role of these antibodies and lymphocytes in other autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome. Given that we have this technology, we are currently developing a project to analyse the role of antibodies to lipids and B1 lymphocytes in patients with Covid-19, as they are increased in patients with a poor evolution. In this project, we are also considering the development of rapid diagnostic techniques that increase the sensitivity of the current ones. Contact: mariacruz.sadabaargaiz@ceu.es
Our group is focused on the study of innate immunity in different pathologies such as multiple sclerosis (MS), autoimmune illnesses and infectious diseases. Recently, we have described the importance of IgM antibodies in the axonal damage in patients with MS. We have also developed a new ELISA technique that has shown that IgM antibodies to lipids are present in the serum of 90% of MS patients, making it the most sensitive diagnostic technique described to date. We are currently studying the cells responsible for the production of these immunoglobulins, the B1 lymphocytes, to determine the mechanisms responsible for this exacerbated immune response with the aim of characterising new diagnostic, prognostic and treatment response biomarkers and new therapeutic targets. To this end, we will use genomic expression analysis techniques, flow cytometry and functional studies. We have also established collaborations to investigate the role of these antibodies and lymphocytes in other autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome. Given that we have this technology, we are currently developing a project to analyse the role of antibodies to lipids and B1 lymphocytes in patients with Covid-19, as they are increased in patients with a poor evolution. In this project, we are also considering the development of rapid diagnostic techniques that increase the sensitivity of the current ones.
Contact: mariacruz.sadabaargaiz@ceu.es