Neuroimmunology related to multiple sclerosis

The goal of our research is to understand the mechanisms involved in pathogenesis of inflammation and demyelination in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Our studies primarily employ an animal model for the human disease multiple sclerosis, known as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We are currently funded to study a) antibodies to myelin constituents and B cells in EAE and in MS; b) mechanisms of cytokine regulation in MS; and c) to develop imaging techniques to identify demyelination versus axonal loss in the CNS of animals and patients. We are also funded to perform a Phase II trial of B cell depletion in MS patients that are not optimally treated with standard agents.