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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Generating a Reproducible Model of Mid-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation using Poly(I:C) to Study Susceptibility and Resilience in Offspring

Generating a Reproducible Model of Mid-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation using Poly(I:C) to Study Susceptibility and Resilience in Offspring

Published on: August 17, 2022

Parenthood and immunomodulation in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Kerstin Hellwig¹, Aiden Haghikia, Ralf Gold

¹Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Gudrunstrasse 56, 44791, Bochum, Germany. k.hellwig@klinikum-bochum.de

Journal of Neurology

|November 26, 2009

Summary

Paternity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients using disease-modifying therapies (DMT) appears safe, with no significant impact on birth weight. However, MS itself may be associated with lower birth weight in offspring.

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Generating a Reproducible Model of Mid-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation using Poly(I:C) to Study Susceptibility and Resilience in Offspring

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Determining Immune System Suppression versus CNS Protection for Pharmacological Interventions in Autoimmune Demyelination

Determining Immune System Suppression versus CNS Protection for Pharmacological Interventions in Autoimmune Demyelination

Published on: September 12, 2016

Area of Science:

Neurology
Immunology
Reproductive Health

Background:

Limited understanding of immunomodulation's impact on parenthood, especially paternity in multiple sclerosis (MS).
Need to assess risks for pregnancies fathered by MS patients undergoing disease-modifying therapies (DMT).

Purpose of the Study:

To determine the risk associated with pregnancies fathered by MS patients on DMT.
To compare birth weights of children born to MS fathers on DMT, MS mothers (with/without IFN beta), and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

Nationwide questionnaire and outpatient clinic investigation of pregnancies fathered by MS patients on DMT.
Comparison of birth weights across different groups: MS fathers on DMT, MS mothers (treated/untreated), and healthy controls.

Main Results:

No significant reduction in mean birth weight for newborns of MS fathers on DMT compared to healthy controls.
A significant difference in birth weight to the disadvantage of MS mothers (with or without IFN beta) compared to MS fathers.
No statistical difference in birth weight between mothers treated with interferon-beta (IFN beta) and untreated MS mothers.

Conclusions:

Available data suggest safe paternity for multiple sclerosis patients on DMT.
Interferon-beta treatment in mothers does not appear to impact birth weight.
Multiple sclerosis may contribute to reduced birth weight, independent of paternal DMT exposure.