Researchers at the University of Cambridge in England have introduced a new approach to treating multiple sclerosis using stem cells, according to reports in the media.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune condition that damages the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. As the disease unfolds, symptoms tend to worsen over time, starting with mild numbness in the limbs and potentially progressing to paralysis or vision loss. A significant subset of patients develops secondary progressive MS, a form associated with increasing disability and functional decline.
The latest work describes a treatment strategy aimed at halting disease progression and safeguarding brain tissue over the long term. The method involves delivering stem cells to the brain. In MS, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, the protective layer surrounding nerve fibers made of proteins and fats. This damage disrupts communication between the brain and muscles, such as those required for walking. Stem cells can mature into various cell types and appear to dampen the immune response that damages myelin while also releasing factors that reduce scar formation and support tissue repair.
In early studies, no serious adverse effects were observed among 15 volunteers who received the new therapy. The researchers noted improvements on magnetic resonance imaging that suggested reduced nerve injury and better tissue integrity.
Experts say this approach could potentially arrest the course of MS, though additional investigations are essential to validate these findings and optimize the treatment for broader use. Researchers emphasize that the work represents a stepping stone toward more effective disease control and long-term brain protection.
Further discoveries include the identification of a new biomarker for MS, which could help clinicians monitor disease activity and response to therapy more precisely. This biomarker may enable earlier intervention and better personalization of treatment plans for patients across North America and beyond.