Immunoregulatory secretory networks during pregnancy and their modulation of multiple sclerosis (A01)

• Subject Area: Reproductive Medicine, Urology ; Experimental Models for the Understanding of Nervous System Diseases ; Immunology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 534829736

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a T cell-driven inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease. MS relapse rates decrease by 80% during pregnancy. This project hypothesises that pregnancy-induced changes in cytokines and metabolites recalibrate T cells, promoting maternal tolerance and reducing MS disease activity. Preliminary data highlight the anti-inflammatory role of growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), mediated through the neuronal receptor GDNF-family receptor α-like (GFRAL), during pregnancy. In addition to elucidating its exact molecular mechanism, the project aims to identify other molecules involved in immune suppression, advancing therapeutic strategies for MS and related conditions.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1713: Maternal Immune Activation: Causes and Consequences
• Applicant Institution: Universität Hamburg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Manuel A. Friese; Jana Katherina Sonner, Ph.D.