New Pathway and Biomarker for Treating Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders

Researchers have discovered a novel molecular pathway that links myelin damage to inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, which may open up new avenues for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological inflammatory diseases. The pathway involves the conversion of fatty molecules called VLCFAs into an inflammation-driving signaling molecule called S1P by brain cells. Several approved treatments for relapsing MS work by blocking S1P receptors’ activity, which is thought to reduce the number of disease-driving inflammatory cells that get into the nervous system. The researchers also found that a combination of bezafibrate and Gilenya led to a stronger effect than either alone in treating MS.