Targeting a molecule involved in the activation and movement of white blood cells could prevent the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), University of Adelaide researchers have found.
The scientists focused on a molecule known as PI3Kgamma (PI3K) and have shown that when it is blocked, through genetic alteration, the body has a higher resistance against nervous system damage which is typical in MS.
They found that when the molecule was present, severe damage to the insulating myelin in the central nervous system was evident, resulting in inflammation in the spinal cord and myelin loss.
MS is a progressive disease which affects the central nervous system and can interfere with the transmission of nerve impulses throughout the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.
An estimated 23,000 Australians have MS, according to MS Australia.
Dr Iain Comerford from the University's School of Molecular and Biomedical Science who earned a three-year fellowship from MS Research Australia to work on the project found that in animal trials his team was able to prevent to progression of MS by blocking the PI3K molecule.
"Our results so far have been very promising," Comerford said.
"We've shown that by blocking PI3Kgamma, we can reduce the activation of self-reactive immune cells, reduce the release of inflammation-inducing molecules from immune cells, and also result in a dramatic reduction in the movement of immune cell into the central nervous system."
Comerford said the hope is that future therapies for MS might target this molecule, "which could very specifically dampen the damaging inflammation in the central nervous system".
He said more research is required to determine the safety and effectiveness of the treatment in human patients.
What is MS?
* MS is a disease that attacks the central nervous system.
* Twice as many women as men have MS.
* Symptoms may range from tingling and numbness to partial or complete paralysis and blindness.
* Other symptoms include: fatigue, impaired vision, loss of balance and muscle coordination, slurred speech, tremors, stiffness, bladder and bowel problems, difficulty walking, short-term memory loss and mood swings
* It is estimated 21,000 Australians suffer from MS.
Information sourced from MS Australia