Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
10:50
Visualizing Impairment of the Endothelial and Glial Barriers of the Neurovascular Unit during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis In Vivo
Published on: March 26, 2019
[Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy under natalizumab. Initial possibilities for risk stratification?]
1Neurologische Klinik, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf.
Der Nervenarzt
|January 18, 2011
Summary
Natalizumab is an effective multiple sclerosis treatment but carries a risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). JC virus serology may help stratify patients by PML risk, necessitating standardized testing and optimized risk management.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Virology
Context:
- Natalizumab (Tysabri®) is a leading monoclonal antibody therapy for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Treatment efficacy is significant, but a known risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) exists.
- PML risk may escalate with treatment duration exceeding 24 months.
Purpose:
- To explore JC virus serology as a tool for stratifying natalizumab-treated patients based on PML risk.
- To highlight the need for standardized JC virus testing methods.
- To emphasize the necessity of redefining risk management strategies for seropositive individuals.
Summary:
- Natalizumab, while effective for MS, poses a risk of PML, potentially increasing after 24 months.
- JC virus serology is being investigated as a predictive tool for PML risk stratification.
- Standardized JC virus testing and optimized risk management are crucial for clinical application.
Impact:
- Potential to improve patient safety in natalizumab therapy for multiple sclerosis.
- Development of more personalized risk-benefit assessments for MS patients.
- Advancement in the clinical application of virological markers for predicting treatment-related adverse events.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:25Arboviral Encephalitis
Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...