Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes important findings in the field of biomarkers related to diagnosis, prognosis, activity, and treatment effect in multiple sclerosis (MS). There is an urgent need for biomarkers that reflect the various contributors to disease. Such biomarkers would be invaluable for (1) the diagnosis and stratification of MS subcategories, (2) prediction of disease courses, (3) individually tailored therapeutic regimens and improved prognosis for treatment success, and (4) the evaluation of novel therapeutics. Biomarkers related to diagnosis and prognosis of MS is oligoclonal bands (OCB), anti-myelin antibodies, cytokines, chemokines, and their receptors. The only biomarker apart from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that is accepted in the diagnosis of MS is the detection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) oligoclonal bands (OCB), which are immunoglobulins separated by isoelectric focusing (IEF). The potential environmental triggers, recent data indicate that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may play an important role Biomarkers related to MS-specific neurodegenerative processes include markers of demyelination, markers of axonal damage and regeneration and astrocyte activation. Numerous molecules and immunologic functions were monitored during standard treatments of MS, particularly with IFN-beta and glatiramer acetate. Both drugs represent current first-line therapies for MS.