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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Rat Model of Widespread Cerebral Cortical Demyelination Induced by an Intracerebral Injection of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines
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Meningeal inflammation as a driver of cortical grey matter pathology and clinical progression in multiple sclerosis

Roberta Magliozzi1,2, Owain W Howell3,4, Massimiliano Calabrese3

  • 1Neurology Section of Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, Verona, Italy. roberta.magliozzi@univr.it.

Nature Reviews. Neurology
|July 3, 2023
PubMed

Insights

The meninges, or brain membranes, play a crucial role in multiple sclerosis (MS) inflammation and neurodegeneration. Targeting meningeal inflammation offers a promising therapeutic strategy for progressive MS.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Neuropathology

Background:

  • The meninges are increasingly recognized for their role in the inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes of progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • The subarachnoid and perivascular spaces within the meninges facilitate immune cell entry and inflammatory molecule diffusion into the brain parenchyma.
  • Meningeal spaces also serve as a route for the egress of central nervous system (CNS)-derived components.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and discuss the cellular, molecular, and radiological evidence implicating meningeal inflammation in MS pathogenesis.
  • To explore the clinical and therapeutic implications of meningeal inflammation in MS.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on cellular, molecular, and radiological findings related to meningeal inflammation in MS.
  • Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid and post-mortem brain tissue studies in MS patients and animal models.

Main Results:

  • Chronic meningeal inflammation is associated with a more severe clinical course in MS.
  • Immune cell aggregates in the meninges are implicated in MS pathology.
  • Understanding meningeal compartmentalization of inflammation is vital for therapeutic development.

Conclusions:

  • The meninges are a critical site for immune activity in MS.
  • Targeting meningeal inflammation represents a potential therapeutic avenue for progressive MS.
  • Further research into the precise mechanisms of meningeal involvement in MS is warranted.

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