[Info] Multiple Sclerosis

[RobinN]

I found this info to be interesting. I know we have a few members dealing with MS, and I didn't want to hide this info in one particular personal thread, perhaps if you have info that might be related, feel free to add to this.

Mark P. Burgoon, PhD
Dr. Burgoon’s research investigates the unknown etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) by examining the humoral immune response in the CNS of MS patients. The persistence of increased IgG in the brains and CSF of MS patients, observed as intrathecally synthesized oligoclonal bands, suggests a continuous antigen-driven immune response. The IgG response in the brain and CSF MS patients is being dissected to determine the antigenic targets in archival acute plaques. These unbiased studies of the intrathecal humoral response can potentially identify an antigen in MS and ultimately the cause of disease. Dr. Burgoon’s laboratory also uses recombinant antibodies and biopanning techniques to analyze molecular features of the IgG response in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a proof of principle model in which the antigen-driven humoral response is directed against measles virus, the cause of the disease.

http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/co.../research.aspx

[RobinN]

perhaps a nutritional link as well

John R. Corboy, MD
Dr. Corboy's research involves immunotherapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. These studies utilize FDA approved therapies in novel settings and experimental agents. He also studies the role of anti-oxidants, especially uric acid, as it relates to progression of MS.

[RobinN]

More studies on MS - perhaps worth following these doctors

Donald H. Gilden, MD
Varicella Zoster Virus/Simian Varicella Virus. The neurovirology laboratory studies the physical state of varicella zoster virus (VZV) nucleic acid and viral gene expression during latency in human ganglia. Studies include state-of-the-art technologies such as polymerase chain reaction, cDNA preparation and microarray to analyze VZV transcription. Interaction of VZV proteins with other virus and cellular proteins are also being examined. In parallel, a model system of varicella in primates produced by simian varicella virus (SVV) is used to study pathogenesis and latency. Finally, the neurovirology laboratory uses diagnostic tests to understand and treat the neurological complications of zoster, including postherpetic neuralgia and other complications of VZV reactivation such as myelopathy and vasculopathy.

Multiple Sclerosis. Dr. Gilden directs the multiple sclerosis (MS) laboratory. His laboratory uses molecular immunology techniques to determine the cause of MS. Cutting-edge methodologies have been developed to examine the antigenic targets of the IgG antibody present in MS brain and CSF. The techniques include single cell PCR to identify IgG sequences utilized in MS brains, synthetic antibody production, and phage-displayed library panning to isolate high-affinity antibodies and antigens from brain. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is being used as an experimental paradigm to demonstrate these new techniques and to develop the sensitivity required for studies of MS.

[RobinN]

Early detection

Augusto Miravalle, MD

Dr. Miravalle is currently involved as Principle Investigator or Sub Investigator in multiple clinical trials at the University of Colorado, with participation in additional studies in the near future. Many of these studies involve novel immunotherapies as well as cutting edge therapeutic approaches for the treatment of MS. Dr. Miravalle has a particular interest in imaging studies evaluating early detectors for future disability in MS patients. He is active in the local, regional and international community, lecturing frequently in the United States and Europe.

[RobinN]

study of antigens

Gregory P. Owens, PhD
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a CNS inflammatory disease of unknown cause. Dr. Owens’ research investigates the role of B cell immunity in the pathogenesis of MS. To better understand the nature of this response, they have used fluorescence-activated cell sorting and single cell PCR to analyze the B and plasma cell populations infiltrating the CNS of MS patients. The features of the B cell repertoire are indicative of a targeted and antigen driven response in MS. They have generated a panel of monoclonal recombinant antibodies from plasma cell clones identified in MS CSF and are using recombinant antibodies for immunological screening to identify disease relevant MS antigens.

[RobinN]

to determine the cause...

Xiaoli Yu, PhD
Dr. Yu’s research investigates the specificity of IgG in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) using phage-displayed peptide libraries approach. A hallmark of MS is the persistence of oligoclonal IgG and elevated numbers of B cells in the CNS. Our published studies have demonstrated the antigen-driven response of clonally expanded B cells in MS. We are using recombinant antibodies generated from these B cells to identify peptide epitopes/mimotopes by panning phage-displayed random peptide libraries. The specificity of the peptides is confirmed by ELISA, immunoblot and competitive inhibition assays. By applying a highly sensitive phage mediated immuno-PCR technique, these peptides are screened for bindings to IgG in multiple MS patients. MS peptides can then be used to determine the corresponding protein antigens using bioinformatics approach. Identification of MS antigens has the potential to determine the cause of disease, and to develop strategies for diagnostic and therapeutic intervention.

[epileric]

Something else to keep an eye on

TORONTO - A new drug for multiple sclerosis cut the number and frequency of relapses and slowed the progression of disease in some patients taking it, a new study shows.

As a group, people with relapsing-remitting MS who were randomly assigned to take the as yet unapproved drug, teriflunomide, experienced a 31 per cent reduction in relapses compared to people who were given fake pills — placebos.

http://www.globalnews.ca/health/new+...824/story.html

[epileric]

Nothing is definite yet but it's interesting what's been discovered so far.

Conclusion

This new study, along with the observation data, strongly suggests that low vitamin D level, in some patients, may increase the risk of developing MS and the severity of the disease. But this is not yet certain, and more specifically it is not clear if taking supplemental vitamin D will reduce the risk of developing MS or reduce its severity.

It’s possible that low vitamin D is a marker for some other metabolic process that is the real culprit. Sun exposure, for example, can modify immune function separate from vitamin D, so perhaps low sun exposure leads to both MS and low vitamin D in some patients.

Before we can make firm recommendations for treatment we need to do large placebo-controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation in the general population and in targeted populations with suspicious gene variants, and separate trials in patients with MS. Only then will we really know what the net effect is of supplementing vitamin D on MS.

Vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis