Using RNA from the MIROCALS trial to understand the effect IL-2 antibody treatment has on the immune system.
Principal Investigator: Prof Janine Kirby
Lead Institution: University of Sheffield
MND Association Funding: £93,474
Funding dates: April 2022 - July 2024
About the project
MIROCALS was a clinical trial testing whether injections of Interleukin-2 (IL-2) could help people with MND. As part of the trial, blood samples were taken from people with MND at certain time points throughout the trial and sent to Sheffield from all trial sites in the UK and France. This project will focus on taking the RNA (a photocopy of DNA) from these samples and using it to study participants responses to IL-2. This will help to improve current understanding about what causes the effect that IL-2 has on the immune system by looking for differences and patterns in RNA between those on IL-2 treatment and those on the placebo (dummy drug).
What could this mean for MND research?
Comparing the differences in RNA between those treated with IL-2 injections and those given a placebo (a dummy drug) will help researchers understand more about the biological effects the treatment has on the immune system. This could also help to explain why people may have different responses to the treatment and identify whether it may more beneficial for certain groups of people with MND. This information will be very useful in refining the treatment and designing a further trial of IL-2 if this is needed.
Resources
Project code: 969-794