Multiple sclerosis and other neuroinflammatory diseases

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system, affecting mostly young adults. Despite recent advances in immunotherapies, it remains an incurable and disabling disease. At the Institute of Neuroscience, we aim to develop a comprehensive research program, from bench to bedside. Under the supervision of Prof. V. van Pesch and in collaboration with Prof. G. Muccioli and Prof. A. des Rieux of the Louvain Drug Institute, we aim to study novel bioactive molecules contained in extracellular vesicles from the cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients, namely microRNAs and bioactive lipids. The study of these novel molecules could unravel novel signaling pathways involved in disease pathogenesis, and lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies, based on nanomedicines. We are studying the effects and mode of action of these molecules on the peripheral immune response but also on oligodendrocyte development and remyelination using in vitro and ex vivo models (Figure 1). Prof. Pietro Maggi’s team investigates the complex physiopathology of MS using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. By combining imaging, laboratory and clinical data, the activity of the Neuroinflammation Imaging Lab (NIL) aims to better understand the heterogeneity of MS, paving the way for personalized diagnostic, prognostic and treatment strategies.  Under the supervision of Prof. S. El Sankari, we are also implementing a comprehensive multiparametric prospective evaluation of MS patients, including patient-reported outcomes, cognitive, imaging and neurophysiological assessments, in order to evaluate the relevance of these different tools to predict future neurological disability and the therapeutic response.