Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 20, 2025
Determining Immune System Suppression versus CNS Protection for Pharmacological Interventions in Autoimmune Demyelination
Published on: September 12, 2016
Neuroprotective strategies in multiple sclerosis: a status update and emerging paradigms
Catalina I Coclitu1, Cris S Constantinescu2,3, Radu Tanasescu3,4
1Department of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology, CHU Grenoble, Grenoble, France.
Introduction:
MS is a disease continuum in which maladaptive inflammation and neurodegeneration co-occur from onset and evolve over time. Recent progress in the understating of MS pathobiology creates new perspectives for novel neuroprotective therapeutic strategies.
Areas Covered:
The authors briefly review the mechanisms underlying inflammation and neurodegeneration in MS and discuss the current and emerging strategies to promote neuroprotection in MS. Data were derived in large part from extensive review of the published literature available on PubMed (up to 5th of March 2025).
Expert Opinion:
Strategies for neuroprotection should be ideally implemented early in the course of MS. They should consider the interplay between neuroinflammation, demyelination and neurodegeneration, the maladaptive changes in the CNS innate immunity resident cells, axonal mitochondrial dysfunction (axonal response of mitochondria to demyelination, ARMD), and remyelination. There is a need for adequate biomarkers that can help to monitor outcomes of target engagement. Comorbidities and aging can worsen neurodegeneration and impair neuroprotective/regenerative processes. Candidate drugs from preclinical and early clinical studies should be tested in multi-arm multistage adaptive trials.
Insights
Early intervention is key for neuroprotection in multiple sclerosis (MS). Strategies must address inflammation, neurodegeneration, and immune cell changes for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Neurobiology
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by ongoing inflammation and neurodegeneration from its onset.
- Understanding MS pathobiology offers new avenues for neuroprotective therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms of inflammation and neurodegeneration in MS.
- To discuss current and emerging neuroprotective strategies for MS.
Main Methods:
- Extensive literature review of published data on PubMed (up to March 5, 2025).
Main Results:
- Neuroprotection in MS requires early implementation.
- Strategies must integrate neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, innate immunity, mitochondrial dysfunction (ARMD), and remyelination.
- Biomarkers are needed for monitoring treatment efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Aging and comorbidities exacerbate neurodegeneration and hinder repair.
- Adaptive clinical trial designs are recommended for testing novel neuroprotective agents.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Parkinson's Disease: Overview
01:15Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
01:01Neuroplasticity