A new study has reported that the molecular and immune profile of slowly expanding lesions (SEL) in progressive multiple sclerosis is distinct from that of active demyelinating lesions that occur in the relapsing phase of MS (Jackle et al. Brain 2020;143:2073-2088; free full text at https://academic.oup.com/brain/article-pdf/143/7/2073/33502654/awaa158.pdf). SELs are considered the pathological correlate of MS disease progression.
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Slide deck: COVID-19 – Epidemiology in Canada (July 29, 2020)
July 29, 2020Summary of epidemiology, testing and mortality rate; Canada and world statistics.
The overlooked role of T cells in the antiviral response
July 21, 2020Recent reports on the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection have largely focussed on B cells, with particular emphasis placed on antibody testing. An antibody response can typically be detected within 15-30 days of the onset of COVID-19 symptoms but concerns have been raised about the persistence of antibodies. A U.K. study reported a rapid decline in antibody titres, with the level of neutralizing antibodies in some patients approaching baseline within two months of disease onset (Seow et al. medRxiv preprint; free download at www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.09.20148429v1.full.pdf). This has raised concerns about whether a COVID-19 vaccine would confer long-lasting immunity.
Neurofilament-light – Update from EAN
July 14, 2020The European Academy of Neurology (EAN) annual congress included new research on neurofilament-light (NfL), an indicator of neuroaxonal damage and one of the more promising biomarkers in multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative conditions. Several recent publications have also presented interesting findings that suggest a role for NfL in MS diagnosis, prognosis and treatment selection. Read More