Defining the clinical and immunogenetic profile in antibody-associated demyelination

Summary

Masters or PhD opportunity ideally suited for a medical or neurology trainee or fellow with a commitment to building expertise in clinical and translational neuroimmunology.

Supervisor(s)

Dr Sudarshini Ramanathan, Dr Fabienne Brilot-Turville, Professor Russell Dale

Research Location

Westmead - Childrens Hospital at Westmead Clinical School

Program Type

Masters/PHD

Synopsis

Neuroimmunology is a rapidly evolving and exciting field - in recent years there has been significant momentum in identifying patients with antibodies targeting certain antigenic targets in the central nervous system, which results in inflammatory damage of the optic nerve, spinal cord, and brain. Some of these antibodies result in demyelination and serve as critical biomarkers to distinguish these patients from those with multiple sclerosis, which responds to different treatments. Our group has been an international leader in the clinical and immunological characterization of patients with antibodies targeting myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG). MOG antibody-associated demyelination is now established as an under-recognized condition which can result in lasting disability including blindness and paralysis. However, early detection and effective treatment with immunotherapy can allow patients to return to their normal function and quality of life, rendering it a compelling focus for research.Our research team initiated and leads the Australian and New Zealand MOG Study Group, a national multicenter collaboration of over 150 neurologists from over 45 centres in Australasia; and is responsible for one of the largest international cohorts of patients with MOG antibody-associated demyelination including approximately 300 adults and 200 children. The student undertaking this project will perform detailed analysis of patients in this cohort with a focus on the clinical, radiological, immunogenetic, and therapeutic characterization of this disorder. The student will further be a key player in a national multicenter epidemiological study we will lead in antibody-associated demyelination, and have additional opportunities to build laboratory experience in neuroimmunology. Funding opportunities and support are available. This project will be ideally suited as a PhD for a neurology advanced trainee or fellow with a commitment to building expertise in neuroimmunology.

Keywords

Neuroimmunology, Neuroscience, demyelination, autoantibody, central nervous system, autoimmunity, autoimmune encephalitis

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 2661

Other opportunities with Dr Fabienne Brilot-Turville

• Neuroscience/Neuroimmunology Research: Role of antibody in brain immune-mediated diseases
• The role of autoantibodies against neuronal receptors in immune-mediated neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Other opportunities with Professor Russell Dale

• The role of autoantibodies against neuronal receptors in immune-mediated neurological and psychiatric disorders.
• Maternal autoimmunity increases risk of neurodevelopmental problems in offspring.
• Utility of Cerebrospinal fluid proteomics to define molecular mechanisms in brain disease of childhood.
• Epilepsy in CP advert
• Neuroscience/Neuroimmunology Research: Role of antibody in brain immune-mediated diseases