MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. The exact cause of MS is still not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Among these factors, diet and stress have gained significant attention for their potential role in modulating the course of the disease.
Effects of Diet on MS
Diet is increasingly recognized as an influential factor in various aspects of health, including the immune system. Previously, we have shown that intermittent fasting ameliorates the disease onset of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the prime preclinical model to study MS, and that was associated with a high level of ketone bodies in the stool and in the circulation of fasted murine subjects.
We are now focusing on the neuroprotective role of ketone bodies and their modulation of microglia and macrophages—resident phagocytes specialized in the detection, phagocytosis, and destruction of bacteria and other harmful organisms.
Effects of Stress on MS
Psychological and physical stress can play a significant role in the progression of MS. While stress itself is not a direct cause of MS, it can exacerbate symptoms and trigger relapses. Stress triggers the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can suppress the immune system and potentially worsen inflammation in individuals with MS. We are investigating the role of FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5), an important chaperone protein expressed on T and myeloid cells that is involved in the regulation of the cortisol pathway.
Summary
The interplay between multiple sclerosis, diet, and stress is complex. Using a combination of advance flow cytometry, transcriptomic, and imaging technologies, together with patient samples and preclinical models, we aim to elucidate the molecular pathways underlying diet and stress regulation of the immune system in MS.
