We want to unravel the involvement of neutrophils in MS pathogenesis through identifying distinct neutrophil subsets, potentially related to disease state or treatment regimen, aiming at novel neutrophil-related therapeutic targets

Neutrophils have been identified in several autoimmune diseases to be part of the changed immune landscape. Recent evidence also points toward a possible involvement of neutrophils in the pathology of MS. We will phenotypically characterize neutrophils from MS patients and identify disease-associated neutrophilic pathways and cellular subsets. We will uncover the impact of current MS treatments on neutrophil phenotype and function. Top ranked genes identified will subsequently be studied in vivo to reveal their contribution to MS pathology. We will focus on genes involved in neutrophil migration, activation and effector functions to reveal new therapeutic targets.