Novel Insights on Cerebrospinal Fluid Research

Dear Colleagues,

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is an essential diagnostic tool in a high number of neurological and psychiatric diseases. This includes predominantly autoimmune, infectious, and neurodegenerative diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system. However, psychiatrists increasingly are involved in this relevant research topic. 

Since 2017, CSF oligoclonal bands have been used as a part of the McDonald criteria to diagnose multiple sclerosis. This new diagnostic approach has led to a relevant change in the sensitivity of the criteria to diagnose multiple sclerosis. In the last two years, several groups have shown that multiple sclerosis can be now diagnosed more frequently at the time of first clinical relapse, underlining the importance of incorporating CSF analysis.

The important role of CSF examination and disease monitoring has arisen in further diseases, including autoimmune encephalitis driven by autoantibodies directed against neuronal structures such as the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Patients with such diseases are treated in both neurology and psychiatry. Still, further experimental research is needed to obtain a better understanding of this severe disease entity.

This Special Issue of Cells is dedicated to the complete experimental research on CSF in neurologic and psychiatric diseases. There is a need to identify new biomarkers, including cellular research for most neurological and psychiatric diseases. We look forward for your contribution to this intensely developing area of research.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Skripuletz
Dr. Alexandra Neyazi
Guest Editors

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