Astrocyte Exosomes as Biomarkers for MS Progression and Treatment Efficacy of Siponimod
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) research focuses increasingly on progressive MS. Correspondingly, there is a growing number of clinical trials that test the ability of new medications to reduce MS progression. However, these trials are hampered by the difficulty of accurately measuring disability progression in MS patients. Therefore, an accurate blood test for MS progression is urgently needed. Such a test would greatly help clinicians to objectively assess disease progression in MS patients, both in clinical trials as well as in standard patient care. In our proposal, we are exploring whether ultra-small vesicles (called exosomes) that are shed by brain cells and can be detected in patient blood are suitable biomarkers for progression. Exosomes provide information on the brain cells from which they stem. Because disability progression originates from changes in brain cells, exosomes may be used to track the changes in brain cells that are linked with and drive MS progression. We are using stored blood samples and clinical information from the largest treatment study on secondary progressive MS to date. From the blood samples, we will identify the exosome markers that best reflect the progressive state of the patients. An exosome-based blood test for MS progression would be broadly and uniformly applicable across MS centers. This would dramatically improve our ability to predict and monitor MS progression and to assess whether individual MS patients respond to a specific treatment. Yale University is submitting this proposal with the understanding that it qualifies as fundamental research and does not require any export licenses. If the Department of Defense (DoD) anticipates that Yale s conduct of the research or creation of any deliverables may be subject to export regulations or may require Yale to seek an export license, we request that the DoD notify Yale in writing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 10, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2010580
Entities
People
- David Pitt
Organizations
- United States Army
- Yale University