Investigating the biological response of interleukin-2 (IL-2) in MND.
Principal Investigator: Prof Timothy Tree
Lead Institution: King's College London
MND Association Funding: £133,832
Funding dates: April 2022 - March 2024
About the project
There is evidence to suggest that there is a link between the immune system and disease progression in MND. The MIROCALS clinical trial tested whether injections of a compound called Interleukin-2 (IL-2) could extend survival in those with MND. This project will use blood samples from those with MND who took part in MIROCALS to further investigate whether IL-2 treatment leads to changes in the number and function of a specific group of immune cells, which help to regulate immune resposes, and how changes may be related to disease progression. Alongside MIROCALS, this project will help to build on current knowledge of how immune system changes might contribute to the progression of MND and provide a greater understanding of the effects that treatment with IL-2 may have on those with the disease.
What could this mean for MND research?
The results of the MIROCALS trial provide encouraging evidence, from a randomised placebo-controlled drug trial, in support of immune system modification and neuroinflammation as viable targets for altering MND disease progression. This project will help to further our understanding of IL-2, the effect is has on the immune system and could help to understand why some people may benefit from the treatment compared to others. Overall, this project may help in the development of potential treatments for MND that target the immune system.
Project code: 970-794