Studying early lesions in MS
In MS, the immune system attacks the protective coating around nerves (myelin). This leaves scars known as lesions, which can cause a range of symptoms. But before myelin is damaged, subtle changes happen in the brain, including the loss of myelin-producing brain cells, and the build-up of immune cells. These early changes are called pre-active lesions.
Research on brain tissue after death has shown that people with MS have more pre-active lesions than full MS lesions with myelin damage. This has led researchers to believe that only some pre-active lesions go on to become full MS lesions. By studying these pre-active lesions in more detail, it might be possible to design treatments that prevent myelin damage.
About the project
Until now, it has only been possible to accurately distinguish between pre-active and MS lesions by studying brain tissue after death. Traditional MRI scans cannot differentiate between the two. However, MRI scanners are now more powerful, and techniques are advancing. Margareta and the team will test whether new MRI techniques can show the differences between pre-active and MS lesions in living people.
To do this they will start by scanning brain tissue after death and then analysing the tissue in detail to identify pre-active and MS lesions. They will then be able to see if the MRI technique can reliably show the difference between the two types of lesion. The team will then use this technique to identify pre-active lesions in living participants.
If they are successful, they will then design a larger study to follow pre-active lesions over time, to learn how they change and develop.
How will it help people with MS?
If researchers can identify pre-active lesions, and follow them over time, then this will help them learn more about how lesions develop. And, importantly, how we might be able to stop this from happening. This could also provide a useful tool for clinical trials to measure how effective different medications are in preventing myelin damage.
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