Multiple Sclerosis Research Center

Specific research areas include the role of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin- 12 (IL- 12), IL- 23, and their receptors in the pathogenesis of EAE, the mechanisms of intravenous immune tolerance induced by myelin proteins, and the role of the Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) in central nervous system remyelination.

Another area of research in collaboration with the Department of Radiology is the use of novel imaging modalities for EAE, such as the combined use of high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) to track autoimmune T cells in vivo. In addition to basic studies of neuro-immunology and neurobiology in EAE, the Multiple Sclerosis Research Center will also conduct immunologic studies in MS patients undergoing conventional and experimental therapies. This is done in collaboration with the Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Clinical Center.

• Mechanisms of B Cell Responses in Autoimmune Disease
• Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms of Soybean-Derived Bowman-Birk Protease Inhibitor
• Philadelphia Autoimmunity Center of Excellence. Project 4: Regulation of Immunity and Autoreactivity by the Mer Receptor Kinase Subfamily.
• The Role of Dendritic Cells in Intravenous Tolerance
• The Role of the TH17 Cells in the Pathogenesis of EAE
• Exploring the action of IL-27 in EAE through models of attenuated disease
• Mechanisms of B Cell Responses in Autoimmune Disease
• Role of IL-12/IL-23 in the Differentiation of Microglia into Dendritic Cells
• The Role of IL-12/IL023 in Dendritic Cell Differentiation from Microglia and in the Pathogenesis of EAE.
• Neural stem cells delivering anti-inflammatory cytokine: A novel therapy in MS/EAE
• The role of Interleukin-12 (IL-12)/ IL-23 microglia in multiple sclerosis (MS) and Experimental Autoimmune encephalomyelitis
• Enhance Neural Stem Cell Chemoxis Toward CNS Inflammatory.
• MS4a4B as a Novel Modulator for the Cell Cycle Regulation in T Cells.
• Longitudinal Assessment of Retinal Fibery Layer Thickness as Measure of Disease Progression in Multiple Sclerosis
• Combination Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis-CombiRX Phase III
• A 24-Month Double-Blind, Randomized, Multi-center, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group comparing the Efficacy and Safety of 0.5mg and 1.25mg fingolimod (FTY720) Administered Orally Once Daily Versus Placebo in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosi
• Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, 13-Week, Paralle Group Study to Evaluate Safety and Efficacy of Oral Fampridine-SR (10 mg bid) in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
• A Phase II, MultiCenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy Study of Add-On Cladribine Tablet Therapy with Rebif New Formulation in Multiple Sclerosis Subjects with Active Disease
• A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Dose-Titration S Assess the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of C105 in Persons with Sclerosis with Cognitive Impairment
• Examining the Relationship Between MS Progression and Driving.
• An International, Multi-Center, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Teriflunomide 7 mg Once Daily and 14mg Once Daily Versus Placebo in Patients with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis using Interferon-Beta 1a (Rebif) as an Open-Label Rater-Blind Calibrator.
• An Observational 20 Year, Cross-Sectional, Long Term Follow-Up of the Patient Cohort Enrolled in the Pivotal Study of Betaseron (Interferon Beta-1b) in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.
• Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group, Dose-Finding Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Threee Doses of ACT-128800, an Oral S1P1 Receptor Agonist, Administered for Twenty-Four Weeks in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.
• A Phase III, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Discontinuation Study Followed by an Open Label Extension Period to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Amifampridine Phosphate (3,4-Diaminopyridine Phosphate) in Patients with Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome
• JCV Antibody Program in Patients with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Receiving or Considering Treatment with Tysabri: STRATIFY-2