Researchers have discovered three immunological endophenotypes of multiple sclerosis that could be used to predict the course of the disease, the effectiveness of treatments and, ultimately, the development of more individualized treatments.
- Researchers have discovered three immunological endophenotypes of multiple sclerosis.
- These endophenotypes could be used to predict the course of the disease and the effectiveness of treatments.
- This discovery could also ultimately allow the development of more personalized treatments.
In France, 110,000 people are affected by multiple sclerosis, according to the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm). In a new study, published in the journal Journal Science Translational Medicine, researchers discovered three immunological endophenotypes that could revolutionize treatments for this disease.
3 endophenotypes can predict the evolution of MS and response to treatments
The endophenotypes are “neuropathological, neurocognitive, emotional, neurophysiological and neurobiological traits associated with the expression of genetic disease vulnerability factorscan we read in this study. They demonstrate the susceptibility of non-diseased subjects, with affected relatives, to developing the disease.” These are, according to these other works“revealed by biochemical tests or microscopic examination.”
As a reminder, multiple sclerosis is not a hereditary disease but there are genetic factors (more than 200 according to Inserm) and environmental factors (such as the level of sunshine) which favor its development. During In this new study, researchers studied data from more than 500 patients with multiple sclerosis. Using cutting-edge technologies, they were able to map the participants’ immune systems and thus identify three immunological endophenotypes of the disease.
Each of these immunological endophenotypes was associated with a progression of the pathology and a response to different treatments. Thus, the researchers conclude that these three immunological endophenotypes could be used to predict the course of the disease and the effectiveness of drugs, via blood tests of patients.
MS: more personalized treatments
“By understanding individual variations in patients’ immune systems, we can move closer to personalized treatment plans that are more effective and result in fewer side effects“, indicates Professor Heinz Wiendl, one of the main authors of the study, in a communicated.
Currently, those who exist are not curative. They aim to reduce flare-ups of the disease (i.e. the rapid appearance of symptoms: motor, sensitivity, cognitive disorders, etc.) and to improve the quality of life of patients. “Our study calls into question [les traitements actuels]but also provides clinicians with a practical tool to predict disease progression and response to treatmentassures Professor Luisa Klotz, co-lead author of the study. This could significantly improve the quality of life of people with multiple sclerosis.“
