My Research
Detailed Research in: Multiple Sclerosis Page & Paper/Poster
Genetics and Epidemiology
MS is common among young adults and affects nearly 1 million people in the United States (2019). The specific cause of MS is unknown, but there are identified risk factors: environmental, genetic, and lifestyle.
Environmental risk factors: vitamin D levels, UV radiation from an individual’s surroundings, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), tobacco smoking, and regional differences.
Genetic risk factors: 233 loci that are MS related, including within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC).
HLA genes on chromosome 6 include the HLA-DTB1* 15:01-HLA-DQB1*06:02-a1 haplotype
Polymorphisms in IL2 and IL7R
Diagram of Demyelination Process
Brain Parts Involved and Pathology
Mechanisms of inflammatory demyelination include proinflammatory T cell and B cell subsets
T cells subsets: CD4+ (TH1 and Th17) and CD8+ T cells
B Cell subset: CD20+
Lesions in the CNS characterize the presence of MS-related demyelination and inflammation
MRI Scan of Relapsing-remitting MS
Source: https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/76/suppl_3/iii11
Tools for Research and Development
Animal models
EAE=autoimmune origin of MS
TMEV= viral infection environmental risk factor of MS
Cuprizone/Lysolecithin models= toxins induce demyelination
MRI Imaging to diagnose MS and identify disease course
Diagnosis, Screening and Prevention
Diagnosis
medical history
neurological exams
clinical presentation criteria
blood tests
MRI scans
neurobehavioral abnormalities
Disease Course
Primary progressive MS,
Relapsing-remitting MS
Secondary progressive MS
Biomarkers
Digital Biomarkers
eHealth interventions such as MS Sherpa: symptom based biomarkers
Molecular Biomarkers
MS diagnosis
MS prognosis
Monitoring therapy response
Therapeutic side effects
Disease management
Corticosteroids
Plasma exchange
Disease modifying therapies (DMTs)
Injectable, oral, Monoclonal Antibody
Physical therapy
Outlook and Future Direction
EBV-specific t cell therapies
stem cell-based therapies
remyelinating therapies
immunotherapies