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Chinese Medical Journal review article highlights the potential and promise of CAR-T cell therapy in autoimmune diseases

Researchers have identified CAR-T cell therapy as a potential treatment for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, and type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Early studies have shown promising results in reducing disease activity and improving patients' quality of life, but long-term data on safety and efficacy is limited.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 22, 2024

Trinity research offers insight into the future understanding of MS and its treatments

A team of researchers at Trinity College Dublin has developed a new blood test that measures the immune response to Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), which is the leading risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that people with MS have a higher immune response to EBNA-1, a part of the EBV, compared to those without MS.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNeurology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2024

Older brain cells linger unexpectedly before their death

Researchers discovered that mature oligodendrocytes, critical for brain function, can survive for up to 45 days after a fatal trauma, defying the classical programmed cell-death pathway. This finding opens new avenues for understanding and potentially preventing damage caused by aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2024

Individuals with multiple sclerosis face substantially greater risk of hospitalisation and death from COVID-19, despite high rates of vaccination

A UK study found that individuals with multiple sclerosis had a seven times greater risk of hospitalization and a four-fold increased risk of dying from COVID-19, even after repeated doses of vaccines. Vaccination alone may not adequately protect this vulnerable population, highlighting the need for additional preventive measures.

Ageing reduces the ability of regulatory T cells to enhance myelin regeneration, study finds

Researchers found that ageing reduces the ability of regulatory T cells to enhance myelin regeneration, which can have profound consequences for neurological functions. The study suggests that the loss of function may be reversible, and two new molecules, ITGA2 and MCAM, have been identified as potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2024

Understanding genetic risk could save sight and predict multiple sclerosis earlier in young people

Researchers have developed a genetic risk tool that combines genetic factors with demographic information to improve MS risk prediction in young people presenting with optic neuritis. The study shows that this approach can help identify patients at high risk of MS, potentially enabling earlier treatment and improving long-term health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Visualising multiple sclerosis with a new MRI procedure

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure that maps the condition of myelin sheaths in the central nervous system more accurately. This breakthrough technology has the potential to facilitate early MS diagnosis and monitoring, as well as the development of new drugs for the disease.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMagnetic Resonance in Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 8, 2024

The analysis of biological networks allows understanding the complexity of multiple sclerosis

A new computational biology tool has analyzed the complex biological networks of multiple sclerosis patients, revealing relationships between genes, proteins, cells, brain function, and behavior. The study identified correlations between protein MK03 and immune system cell counts, retinal nerve fiber thickness, and gait test results.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 8, 2024

Autoimmune disease and pregnancy

A study published in Lancet eClinical Health found pregnancy outcomes for pregnant individuals with autoimmune disease vary greatly depending on the specific condition and individual factors. Research highlights the importance of considering comorbidities when discussing autoimmune disease and pregnancy.

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 31, 2024

Kessler Foundation receives grant to investigate impact of combining aerobic exercise and virtual reality for individuals with multiple sclerosis

A new study will compare the effects of a single bout of cycling alone to two different cycling experiences enhanced with VR technology. The goal is to uncover the relationship between sensory demand and acute improvements in processing speed, informing future research on exercise training for long-term benefits.

Different pain types in multiple sclerosis can cause difficulty staying active

Research from Michigan Medicine found that widespread pain with nociplastic features can make physical activity challenging for patients with multiple sclerosis. The study suggests tailoring exercise plans to individual needs by considering underlying pain mechanisms, aiming to maintain functional independence and reduce pain intensity.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Pain·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 9, 2024

Severe MS predicted using machine learning

A combination of 11 proteins can predict long-term disability outcomes in multiple sclerosis, making it possible to tailor treatments to individual patients. The study identified a specific protein, neurofilament light chain, as a reliable biomarker for disease activity.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2024

EMBARGOED UNTIL JAN. 8 @ 3 PM EST: UTHealth Houston study: EBV-specific T-cells play key role in development of multiple sclerosis

Researchers from UTHealth Houston discovered that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific T-cells are present in high numbers in the cerebrospinal fluid of people with multiple sclerosis at its earliest stages. The study suggests that these cells may be contributing to the disease's pathogenesis.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2024

Kessler Foundation study of cognitive fatigue across different tasks and populations provides new insights

Researchers investigated cognitive fatigue across multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and controls using two tasks, finding that fatigue was consistent across participants regardless of task. Cognitive fatigue correlated with longer response times and activation in the caudate nucleus and thalamus.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

UCI researchers announce publication of an open-label clinical trial suggesting that N-acetylglucosamine restores neurological function in Multiple Sclerosis patients

A study published by UCI researchers found that N-acetylglucosamine reduced multiple inflammation and neurodegeneration markers in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. The dietary supplement also improved neurological function in 30% of patients, suggesting a potential new treatment for the condition.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 14, 2023

Network-based approaches open a new avenue to classify and treat rare diseases

Scientists at CeMM and Max Perutz Labs have reclassified approximately 200 rare immune system disorders using a network-based approach. The study reveals strong similarities between rare diseases and autoimmune conditions, enabling the prediction of treatment efficacy and personalized approaches for diagnosis and treatment.