The University of Adelaide has kicked off a new three-year research project to examine the potential of using adult stem cells in treating multiple sclerosis.

The team of researchers from the University will examine how adult stem cells from fat tissue can be used as a special anti-inflammatory treatment in the damaged site of the central nervous system in sufferers of the disease.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease in the brain and spinal cord that currently has no efficient treatment.

With previous work, we've already shown that adult stem cells have great potential to both control the immune response and promote repair of the central nervous system. It also prevents further damage," Director of the Centre for Molecular Pathology at the University, Professor Shaun Mccoll said.  

"But the trick is getting the stem cells to the right location where they can perform this function."

When stem cells are injected into the blood system, very few cross the blood/brain barrier into the CNS. The researchers are manipulating adult stem cells from fat tissue (adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells) so more enter the CNS.

"This project is about targeting the stem cells to the site of inflammation and damage so they can better control the immune response and repair the myelin," says Dr Iain Comerford, Lead Investigator.

"It involves promoting stem cell migration to the central nervous system by manipulating receptors on the surface of the stem cells that control cell movement."

"We're also modifying the stem cells to suppress the immune response by introducing molecules that regulate inflammation," Dr Comerford says.

"By the end of three years we aim to show that we can successfully modify stem cells to more effectively reach the central nervous system, and that we can use these cells to inhibit inflammation. If it works, there is great potential for a new therapy for this debilitating disease."