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Progression of Multiple Sclerosis: Environmental Factors, Genetics, Therapeutics and Immunopathogenesis

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Neurobiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2026 | Viewed by 250

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Section of Clinical Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Policlinico G.B. Rossi, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
Interests: neurological disorders; neurological diseases; multiple sclerosis; demyelinating diseases; immunomodulators
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to explore the multifaceted aspects of multiple sclerosis (MS), focusing on the interplay of environmental factors, genetic predispositions, therapeutic advancements, and the underlying mechanisms of immunopathogenesis. We are setting out to present cutting-edge research and reviews that illuminate how lifestyle, geographical considerations, and genetic markers influence MS progression. Additionally, we hope that this Special Issue will highlight innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at altering disease outcomes and emphasize advancements in our understanding of the immune system's role in MS pathology. Together, these contributions provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and future directions in the management and study of this complex neurological disorder.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome to be submitted. Research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Progressive multiple sclerosis;
  2. MS progression environmental risk factors;
  3. Genetics insights into MS progression;
  4. Therapeutic challenges of progressive MS;
  5. Immunopathogenesis of progressive MS.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Alberto Gajofatto
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • multiple sclerosis
  • disability progression
  • neurodegeneration
  • pathogenesis
  • immunology
  • risk factor
  • environment
  • genetics
  • treatment

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

37 pages, 1004 KiB  
Review
Refining Prognostic Factors in Adult-Onset Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative Review of Current Insights
by Tommaso Guerra, Massimiliano Copetti, Mariaclara Achille, Caterina Ferri, Marta Simone, Sandra D’Alfonso, Maura Pugliatti and Pietro Iaffaldano
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 7756; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26167756 - 11 Aug 2025
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by a continuum of diverse neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes that contribute to disease progression from the earliest stages. This leads to a highly heterogeneous clinical course, requiring early and accurate prognostic assessment: the identification of reliable prognostic biomarkers [...] Read more.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by a continuum of diverse neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes that contribute to disease progression from the earliest stages. This leads to a highly heterogeneous clinical course, requiring early and accurate prognostic assessment: the identification of reliable prognostic biomarkers is crucial to support therapeutic decision-making and guide personalized disease management. In this narrative review, we critically examined the current MS literature, investigating prognostic factors associated with disease progression and irreversible disability in adult-onset MS, with a focus on different clinical, radiological, and molecular biomarkers. Particular attention is directed toward the prognostic value of baseline clinical and neuroimaging factors, emerging biomarkers of smoldering disease, and progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) events. Additionally, we discussed the role of integrated prognostic tools and risk scores, as well as their potential impact on clinical practice. We aim to provide a comprehensive and clinically oriented synthesis of available evidence in the MS biomarkers field, supporting multifaceted prognostication strategies to improve long-term outcomes in people with MS. Full article
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