Novel Biomarker Shows Promise in Predicting Multiple Sclerosis Progression

Researchers at the University of Turku, Finland, have identified a groundbreaking biomarker capable of forecasting the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). The study focuses on the inflammatory cell rim that surrounds brain lesions, revealing a direct link between the rim's thickness and the severity as well as the speed of disease advancement. Led by Professor Laura Airas, in collaboration with colleagues from Germany and the Netherlands, the research was published in the prestigious journal Nature Medicine on April 29, 2025.

The study combined innovative PET imaging data from 114 Finnish MS patients with detailed post-mortem brain tissue analyses from Dutch MS patients. Findings indicate that a broader inflammatory rim correlates with a more aggressive disease course. Specifically, microglial cells form a thick rim around MS lesions, and their harmful activity extends into healthy brain tissue, causing irreversible damage. This discovery offers a valuable tool for early identification of patients who may require more aggressive treatment strategies.

Furthermore, the biomarker enhances the ability to evaluate new therapeutic drugs by monitoring changes in the lesion rims. The implications of this research are significant, especially for progressive MS, a form of the disease that remains relatively underserved in current treatment options. The identification of this biomarker paves the way for more personalized and timely interventions, potentially improving patient outcomes.

For additional details, see the publication: Luisa Klotz et al, "Broad rim lesions as a new pathological and imaging biomarker for rapid disease progression in multiple sclerosis," Nature Medicine (2025).