This DC project aims to explore the role of auto-immune antibodies, specifically anti-lipid antibodies, in MS by analysing them at the single-antibody level, both on a phenotypic and sequence level. By utilizing advanced techniques such as single-cell sequencing and high-throughput assays in microfluidics, its goal is to identify and characterize the diversity, specificity, and functionality of anti-lipid antibodies in MS patients.
Moreover, we include in this study DNA-encoded lipid structures to measure affinity, specificity and cross-reactivity. We use a combination of microfluidic droplet technology, DNA-encoded antigens, droplet sorting by fluorescence-activated droplet sorting followed by antigen-library and antibody sequencing. All those individual steps have been developed in the host lab at AU. The DC is adapting this approach.
The study focuses on understanding how the mentioned antibodies interact with lipid antigens and their potential contributions to neuroinflammation and myelin damage. By delineating the unique profiles of anti-lipid antibodies in MS, this research hopes to uncover novel biomarkers for disease progression and therapeutic targets, ultimately advancing our understanding of MS and improving patient outcomes.
Pascal Kunz
In my PhD project, we are having a closer look at the heterogeneity and functionality of circulating immune cells and profile the serum lipidome of patients with multiple sclerosis. To do so, we study autoreactive and dysregulated immune cells using a multiomic approach combining single-cell analysis with serum lipidomics.
Research question: How can we identify and functionally characterize rare autoreactive immune cells in multiple sclerosis and integrate lipidomic profiling to discover biomarkers for monitoring disease progression, assessing treatment response, and guiding personalized therapeutic approaches?
Motivation: TRANSCEND embraces the complexity of neurological disorders (to a certain degree) rather than simplifying them into controlled models. This mindset and transdisciplinary strategy to advancing translational research is what motivated me to join TRANSCEND.
