Research summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the central nervous system in which the immune system attacks the protective sheath that covers nerve fibres. This disrupts communication between the brain and body. Over time, the disease can cause permanent damage.
Dr. Alexandre Prat, Canada Research Chair in Multiple Sclerosis, is studying the mechanisms behind MS pathology. He and his research team hope to identify biomarkers of the disease and better understand the processes that lead to the formation of the central nervous system lesions that are its hallmarks. Prat and his team are characterizing the molecular landscape of brain lesions’ heterogeneity and searching for new disease biomarkers. They are also looking for new drug targets and studying the progression of MS. Ultimately, their work may lead to new treatments.