Biology of B cell LgD low (BDL) and their cellular target CD4+Foxp3+ T regulatory cells

• Applicant: Dr. Zivar Hajiyeva
• Subject Area: Molecular and Cellular Neurology and Neuropathology
• Term: from 2022 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 498199061

Research has shown that Treg cells play an important role in the recovery of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Treg have also been shown to promote CNS remyelination. Adoptive transfer of Treg cells seems to be an effective approach for the treatment of MS; however, there are several limitations such as harmful side effects at high doses, unclear antigen-specificity, high expenses, etc. Thus, new strategies need to be developed to enhance Treg numbers in MS patients. To that end, the Dittel laboratory recently discovered the novel B cell subset B cell IgD low (BDL), which interacts with and induces Treg expansion. A better understanding of the development, localization, and functions of BDL and generation of a more definitive BDL phenotype in humans is needed in order to leverage BDL into a therapy to expand Treg in vivo. The main goals of our research are to (1) define the molecular mechanisms of BDL growth and differentiation in vitro and in vivo and (2) characterize the BDL Treg target in patients with MS before, during, and after the cessation of anti-CD20 antibody therapy with Ocrevus.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professorin Bonnie Dittel, Ph.D.