Neurodegeneration and Neuroregeneration in Multiple Sclerosis
Regeneration in the adult central nervous system (CNS) is rare, often inefficient, and typically limited to the restoration of the electrically insulating white matter. This impairment is particularly relevant for inflammatory CNS diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), especially during progression stages. Such repair processes need to be fostered and supported as white matter/myelin repair is crucial in preventing long-term, irreversible damage to axons and neuronal cells.
Our research aims to understand why repair mechanisms are inefficiently conducted and develop specific therapies to support regenerating cells. These investigations have led to the discovery of several molecular regulators and therapeutic candidates, including antibodies and pharmacologically active small molecules. We also conduct studies that decipher the nature and functionalities of damage-conferring cells, such as neurotoxic microglia, to identify potential protective therapeutic approaches.