Münster – The enzymes gelatinase A/matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and gelatinase B/MMP-9 are essential for induction of neuroinflammatory symptoms in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS). In the absence of these enzymes, the disease does not develop. SFB128 scientists of Prof. Dr. Lydia Sorokin’s group, therefore, investigated the cellular sources and relative contributions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 to disease at early stages of EAE induction. They demonstrated that MMP-9 from an immune cell source is required in EAE for initial infiltration of leukocytes into the central nervous system and that MMP-9 activity is a reliable marker of leukocyte penetration of the blood-brain barrier.
The neuroscientists then developed a molecular imaging method to visualize MMP activity in the brain using fluorescent- and radioactive-labeled MMP inhibitors (MMPis).
By using radioactive MMP ligand in EAE animals the Muenster neuroscientists produced positron emission tomography (PET) images of MMP activity in patients with MS.
In contrast to traditional T1-gadolinium contrast-enhanced MRI, MMPi-PET enabled tracking of MMP activity as a unique feature of early lesions and ongoing leukocyte infiltration.
MMPi-PET therefore allows monitoring of the early steps of MS development and provides sensitive, noninvasive means of following lesion formation and resolution in murine EAE and human MS, the neuroscientists conclude. Their work was part of the SFB projects B03 and Z02.

News

Wed, 23/08/2023
Neurology Webinar on human brain T cells in health and multiple sclerosis
Muenster. The SFB 128 is happy welcome Joost J.F.M. Smolders, MD, PhD , head of MS Center ErasMS and Neuroimmunology Brain (NIB) Research Group at the Department of Immunology of the Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus MC), as lecturer at the Muenster Neurology Webinar. His talk is entitled “Unique features of human brain T cells […]...more
Thu, 03/08/2023
Neurology Webinar – How much gut needs the brain
Muenster. In December 2023, Prof. Anne-Katrin Pröbstel, Head of the Interdisciplinary Autoimmune Clinic at the University Hospital of Basel, will visit Muenster to give insights into the microbiota-immune crosstalk in neuroonflammation. Her presentation – which ois part of the Muenster Neurology Webinar – will be live-streamed. Time: Wednesday, December 13, 5:15 p.m. Place: Online at […]...more
Thu, 02/02/2023
3rd Inflammation & Imaging Symposium in Münster, 11-13 September 2023
Application has opened! We cordially invite you to join this international conference and discuss the latest developments in research on inflammation and the imaging of the immune system with us. The symposium is organised by eight research networks from the University of Münster – CRU 342, CRC 1009, CRC 1450, CRC/TR 128, CRC/TR 332, InFlame, […]...more