Neuro-Immunology Research

Autoimmune central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica, MOG associated disease, and autoimmune encephalitis are serious conditions that disproportionately impact young adults. The Yale Translational Neuroimmunology Division broadly examines how inflammation drives neurologic diseases. Investigations range from basic studies of the human immune system to deep analysis of diseases, including MS, Parkinson’s disease, neuromyelitis optica, myelin oligodendrocyte antibody disease, glioblastoma, and myasthenia gravis. For instance, division scientists have identified how human regulatory T cells and underlying genetics mediate the pathology of MS. They have also identified inflammatory pathways in patients with prodromal Parkinson’s disease. Clinical research in the Neuroimmunology Division includes work on the clinical features, epidemiology, genetics, neuroimaging characteristics, and pathological mechanisms of these disorders. Research also extends to experimental therapeutics, and several treatment trials are currently underway. The generous participation of individuals living with autoimmune neurologic diseases in clinical research efforts enables division scientists to better understand and treat these conditions.