P2X -receptor binding in new-onset and secondary progressive MS - a [C]SMW139 PET study.

Background: PET imaging of activated microglia has improved our understanding of the pathology behind disability progression in MS, and pro-inflammatory microglia at 'smoldering' lesion rims have been implicated as drivers of disability progression. The P2X R is upregulated in the cellular membranes of activated microglia. A single-tissue dual-input model was applied to quantify P2X R binding in the normal appearing white matter, perilesional areas and thalamus among progressive MS patients, healthy controls and newly diagnosed relapsing MS patients.

A review of Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors in multiple sclerosis.

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors are an emerging class of therapeutics in multiple sclerosis (MS). BTK is expressed in B-cells and myeloid cells, key progenitors of which include dendritic cells, microglia and macrophages, integral effectors of MS pathogenesis, along with mast cells, establishing the relevance of BTK inhibitors to diverse autoimmune conditions. First-generation BTK inhibitors are currently utilized in the treatment of B-cell malignancies and show efficacy in B-cell modulation.

Sex-driven variability in TSPO-expressing microglia in MS patients and healthy individuals.

Background: Males with multiple sclerosis (MS) have a higher risk for disability progression than females, but the reasons for this are unclear.

Objective: We hypothesized that potential differences in TSPO-expressing microglia between female and male MS patients could contribute to sex differences in clinical disease progression.

Methods: The study cohort consisted of 102 MS patients (mean (SD) age 45.

Neuroimaging to monitor worsening of multiple sclerosis: advances supported by the grant for multiple sclerosis innovation.

Key unmet needs in multiple sclerosis (MS) include detection of early pathology, disability worsening independent of relapses, and accurate monitoring of treatment response. Collaborative approaches to address these unmet needs have been driven in part by industry-academic networks and initiatives such as the Grant for Multiple Sclerosis Innovation (GMSI) and Multiple Sclerosis Leadership and Innovation Network (MS-LINK) programs. We review the application of recent advances, supported by the GMSI and MS-LINK programs, in neuroimaging technology to quantify pathology related to central pathology and disease worsening, and potential for their translation into clinical practice/trials.