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Research

Sex-Specific Environmental Impacts on Initiation and Progression of Multiple Sclerosis

The immunological mechanisms that contribute to multiple sclerosis (MS) differ between males and females. Females are 2-3 times more likely to develop MS compared to males, however the reason for this discrepancy is unknown. Once MS is established, there is a more inflammatory yet milder form of disease in females whereas males generally suffer from more severe disease and faster progression, neural degradation, and disability.

News & Events

UV offers new hope in fight against MS

People at risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) have been offered a beacon of hope thanks to research into UV exposure.

News & Events

Vitamin D deficiency linked to childhood asthma

Researchers at The Kids Research Institute Australia have found children with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to develop asthma.

Research

Optimized 25-hydroxyvitamin D analysis using liquid-liquid extraction with 2D separation with LC/MS/MS detection, provides superior precision

The analysis of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) and related metabolites represents a considerable challenge for both clinical and research laboratories...

Research

Vitamin D and atopy and asthma phenotypes in children: a longitudinal cohort study

Vitamin D has been linked in some studies with atopy- and asthma-associated phenotypes in children with established disease,but its role in disease inception...

Research

The anti-inflammatory effects of interleukin-4 are not mediated by suppressor of cytokine signalling-1 (SOCS1)

While it is known that the anti-inflammatory effects of interleukin (IL)-4 require new protein synthesis, the exact mechanisms by which IL-4 suppresses the prod

Research

Can skin exposure to sunlight prevent liver inflammation?

Here we discuss how skin exposure to sunlight may suppress liver inflammation and the severity of NAFLD.

Research

Effects of UVR exposure on the gut microbiota of mice and humans

Both human and murine studies report that multiple exposures to sub-erythemal UV radiation can increase the diversity of the gut microbiome

Research

FcgammaRIIb Expression Is Decreased on Naive and Marginal Zone-Like B Cells From Females With Multiple Sclerosis

B cells are critical to the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), but the mechanisms by which they contribute to the disease are poorly defined. We hypothesised that the expression of CD32b (FcγRIIb), a receptor for the Fc region of IgG with inhibitory activities in B cells, is lower on B cell subsets from people with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) or MS. CD32b expression was highest on post-naive IgM+ B cell subsets in healthy controls. For females with MS or CIS, significantly lower CD32b expression was identified on IgM+ B cell subsets, including naive and IgMhi MZ-like B cells, when compared with control females. Lower CD32b expression on these B cell subsets was associated with detectable anti-Epstein Barr Virus viral capsid antigen IgM antibodies, and higher serum levels of B cell activating factor. To investigate the effects of lower CD32b expression, B cells were polyclonally activated in the presence of IgG immune complexes, with or without a CD32b blocking antibody, and the expression of TNF and IL-10 in B cell subsets was assessed.