Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Research
The Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology section is involved in basic science, translational, and clinical research. Faculty have received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Defense (DOD), Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Siegel Rare Neuroimmune Association, and Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation for neuromyelitis optica (NMO), among others.
We collaborate closely with the Biostatistics and Clinical Informatics section, led by Dr. Amber Salter, to develop high-quality study designs for research spanning from basic science to translational research and clinical trials. They also offer expertise in analyzing population health informatics, navigating institutional biomedical informatics resources, and more.
Neuroscience Biorepository
Benjamin Greenberg, M.D., and Nancy Monson, Ph.D., lead the Neuroscience Biorepository. lead the Neuroscience Biorepository. This effort utilizes an IRB-approved protocol to obtain consent from patients and controls for collecting data and specimens that may be utilized in future research projects. Specimens acquired include blood-based samples, cerebrospinal fluid-based samples, fecal material, urine, and, in some cases, tissue specimens. The repository processes samples using standardized protocols to collect serum, plasma, PBMCs, DNA, RNA, CSF supernatant, and CSF cells. We are particularly delighted to help junior faculty successfully engage in translational research.
Neuroimmunology Researchers and Labs
The Stuve lab studies the differential molecular requirements for bone-marrow-derived leukocytes to cross the blood-brain barrier or other biological barriers that provide immune privilege for the central nervous system (CNS). Dr. Stuve is also exploring molecular and cellular differences between bone-marrow-derived myeloid cell subsets and CNS-intrinsic microglia, and the potential pathogenic role of innate immune cells in early and late MS.
The Greenberg lab uses biospecimens to perform biomarker and antibody discovery work in collaboration with Dr. Nancy Monson and the pursuit of novel clinical trials. To date, the efforts surrounding biomarker studies have yielded insights into the immunologic effects of various medical therapies, the identification of novel autoantibodies, and processes for analyzing T-cell repertoires that could be useful for clinical medicine. Dr. Greenberg has served as PI for over 20 clinical trials including more than 5 Phase I studies.
The Monson lab focuses on identifying mechanism(s) of neuroinflammation in patient populations that will facilitate the development of therapies to prevent long-term deficits. The lab’s work has already directly contributed to novel therapies in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and to a mechanistic understanding of existing therapies using animal models of neuroinflammation (Experimental Autoimmune Encephalitis, EAE).
The Okuda Neuroinnovation Lab is involved in the advancement of improvised solutions and emerging innovations that improve the delivery of medical care to patients. Our mission is to design and develop innovative devices, software solutions, and combined unique methodologies that translate into discoveries for next-generation care. Our originally designed platforms allow for the study of quantitative 3-dimensional shape, surface texture/curvature, and structural characteristics of brain lesions in addition to anatomical structures in the context of neurological disease.
The Vernino lab is particularly interested in diseases associated with antibodies against ion channels. The laboratory focuses on characterizing several forms of ion channel autoimmunity using animal model systems to understand the immune mechanisms involved and the functional effects of antibodies on ion channel function.
Dr. Tardo’s research interests include exploring access to care for minority multiple sclerosis patient populations as well as disparate disease pathology in neuroimmunological disease processes. Her ongoing work is examining the impact social determinants of health have on disease outcomes. She also has collaborated with Dr. Nancy Monson in exploring the biological underpinnings of disease severity in minority patients with MS.
Dr. Blackburn's clinical and research interests are focused on antibody-associated neurological disorders, including autoimmune encephalitis, stiff person syndrome, and paraneoplastic disorders. His work focuses on developing new treatment strategies for these disorders, identifying markers of disease activity, and establishing the natural history and long-term outcomes of the diseases in a patient-centered manner.
Dr. Horton’s research interests include examining lifestyle and wellness impacts in MS. She also has an interest in comorbidities and their impact on MS patient outcomes.
The Sguigna lab's research interests and activities include advanced diagnostic imaging of neuro-ophthalmological disorders, as well as unraveling the neuro-retinal circuitry in neuroimmunological diseases. Dr. Sguigna actively works on refining methods to evaluate these disorders using non-invasive technology. He uses specialized testing to gain insight into some of the most disabling symptoms for patients with multiple sclerosis.