Peripheral blood monocytes can predict impending relapses and disability worsening in MS

This paper explores Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, and focuses on identifying biomarkers to predict disease activity. The researchers used high-dimensional flow cytometry to analyze peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from individuals with MS and healthy controls. Their findings highlight HLA-DRhiCD141+ classical monocytes (CMs) as a significant predictor of both impending relapses and disability worsening in patients with active relapsing-remitting MS. This novel biomarker offers a more precise prognostic tool for MS progression, potentially aiding in treatment decisions by complementing existing clinical assessments. The study also suggests that these monocytes could be detected using a simpler, more translational manual gating method, enhancing their practical application in clinical settings.