Inflammatory Diseases of the Central Nervous System

 

Inflammatory Diseases of the Central Nervous System

 

In the field of inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (multiple sclerosis, optic neuromyelitis), we are conducting research in the following three areas: 

 

Understanding the mechanisms of the disease.

To this end, we conduct several imaging studies that combine high-field MRI (3 Tesla) with specialized sequences to assess the fine structure of tissues, very high-field MRI (7 Tesla) to measure energy dysregulation mechanisms, and PET imaging to measure remyelination and neuroinflammation involving microglia. We are also developing, in collaboration with the Institut de la Vision and Hôpital des 15-20, tools for analyzing the retina at the cellular level, which allow us to visualize neuroinflammation as well, with the aim of determining whether these mechanisms explain the varying severity of the disease among different patients. 

Offer innovative therapies as part of clinical trials.

Several molecules and therapies are currently being developed to target mechanisms not addressed by current treatments. These studies are conducted in partnership with pharmaceutical companies for certain molecules or with academic funding. These studies aim to better control neuroinflammation, promote remyelination, and limit neurodegeneration (neuronal loss), which is a source of disability in multiple sclerosis. 

Optimize care using current treatments, with the aim of optimizing the risk-benefit balance of these treatments.

Current treatments for multiple sclerosis and related conditions primarily work by suppressing immune system activity (immunosuppressants). Although these medications are highly effective at reducing the risk of relapses, it is important to determine the appropriate treatment strategy for each patient in order to minimize the side effects of immunosuppressants, particularly the risk of infections. 

 

To learn more about multiple sclerosis, click here https://institutducerveau-icm.org/fr/sclerose-en-plaques/ 

In the field of inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (multiple sclerosis, optic neuromyelitis), we are conducting research in the following three areas: 

 

Understanding the mechanisms of the disease.

To this end, we conduct several imaging studies that combine high-field MRI (3 Tesla) with specialized sequences to assess the fine structure of tissues, very high-field MRI (7 Tesla) to measure energy dysregulation mechanisms, and PET imaging to measure remyelination and neuroinflammation involving microglia. We are also developing, in collaboration with the Institut de la Vision and Hôpital des 15-20, tools for analyzing the retina at the cellular level, which allow us to visualize neuroinflammation as well, with the aim of determining whether these mechanisms explain the varying severity of the disease among different patients. 

Offer innovative therapies as part of clinical trials.

Several molecules and therapies are currently being developed to target mechanisms not addressed by current treatments. These studies are conducted in partnership with pharmaceutical companies for certain molecules or with academic funding. These studies aim to better control neuroinflammation, promote remyelination, and limit neurodegeneration (neuronal loss), which is a source of disability in multiple sclerosis. 

Optimize care using current treatments, with the aim of optimizing the risk-benefit balance of these treatments.

Current treatments for multiple sclerosis and related conditions primarily work by suppressing immune system activity (immunosuppressants). Although these medications are highly effective at reducing the risk of relapses, it is important to determine the appropriate treatment strategy for each patient in order to minimize the side effects of immunosuppressants, particularly the risk of infections. 

 

To learn more about multiple sclerosis, click here https://institutducerveau-icm.org/fr/sclerose-en-plaques/