Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disabling disease that destroys nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common disease neurological disease in young adults, and leads to complete physical and socioeconomic dependence. In MS, the immune system attacks the protective layer on nerves, which causes communication errors between the brain and the rest of the body. Despite extensive research conducted worldwide, the cause of MS remains unknown. With the increasing global prevalence, especially in Europe, there has been an urgent need to uncover the elusive mechanisms that lead to the progression of MS. While it has been shown that MS is due to entry of immune cells into the brain, little is known about how these cells are activated to carry out their destructive role. This study will focus on substances in the brain, known as damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), especially S100A8/A9. We are interested in this particular molecule as it is known to be over expressed in almost all types of inflammation. We postulate that S100A8/A9 DAMPs could lead to the activation of destructive cells, in particular macrophages. Macrophages play a vital role in MS, as they make up almost half of the destructive cells that enter the brain. Understanding the driving factors of MS-associated DAMPs on macrophage activation could give insight into how cells damage the nerves. This is important as it could form the basis for further research which would allow us to limit the effects of MS.
