Pathogenesis and Repair In Multiple Sclerosis

Recent pathologic studies have described substantial axonal damage in the inflammatory lesions of multiple sclerosis (MS). The lesions of MS also occur in the grey matter of the brain and cause neurodegeneration. Clinical trials, combined with brain imaging and pathological studies, are unraveling the contribution of axonal degeneration to the pathogenesis of permanent neurological disability in MS patients. Elucidation of the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and remyelination have identified therapeutic targets that are being tested in animal models of MS. An international faculty of research leaders addressed these topics during this two-day gathering. There was ample opportunity for networking, meeting senior faculty, and discussing research.