Brain-derived blood biomarkers in multiple sclerosis-current trends and beyond

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease causing disability.
• Current MS treatments carry risks of infection and immune side effects.
• Existing biomarkers for MS lack comprehensive diagnostic and prognostic capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current clinical brain-derived blood biomarkers for MS.
• To highlight the emerging role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as MS biomarkers.
• To discuss the potential of brain-derived EVs in reflecting central nervous system status.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of clinical studies on MS biomarkers.
• Focus on extracellular vesicles (EVs) crossing the blood-brain barrier.
• Analysis of the diagnostic and prognostic potential of blood-based biomarkers.

Main Results:

• Several cerebrospinal fluid and soluble blood biomarkers are under investigation for MS.
• Brain-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in blood are gaining attention.
• EVs show potential for reflecting the central nervous system's immune state in MS.

Conclusions:

• Brain-derived blood extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent a promising avenue for MS biomarker development.
• EVs may offer a less invasive method for monitoring MS progression and treatment response.
• Further research into EVs could enhance MS diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized treatment strategies.