Danillo Augusto publishes in Nature Medicine on possible predictive autoantibody for multiple sclerosis

Danillo Augusto, Ph.D., an assistant professor in biology at UNC Charlotte, is co-author of a study published last week in Nature Medicine.

The research points to a significant breakthrough in the understanding and early detection of multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers have identified a unique autoantibody signature present in approximately 10% of patients with MS years before the onset of clinical symptoms.

The study stated, “These patients exhibit antibody reactivity years before developing MS symptoms and have higher levels of serum neurofilament light (sNfL) compared to profiles of hundreds of patients with MS. This profile is preserved over time, providing molecular evidence for an immunologically active preclinical period years before clinical onset. This autoantibody reactivity was validated in samples from a separate incident MS cohort in both cerebrospinal fluid and serum, where it is highly specific for patients eventually diagnosed with MS.”

Augusto said, “This study sheds light on the preclinical phase of MS and provides a promising avenue for early detection and intervention. Identifying patients at high risk of developing MS before symptom onset could revolutionize patient care and treatment strategies.”

Read more about Danillo Auguto’s study on Inside UNC Charlotte.