Bone marrow change linked to MS progression

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Key Takeaway

A change in bone marrow cells tied to misregulated viral-like DNA pieces may push the immune system into a more inflammatory state that helps MS get worse, suggesting a new treatment target.

What They Found

Researchers studied bone marrow cells from people with MS and from people after COVID-19 using the same analysis method so results could be compared fairly. They found the bone marrow in MS patients makes more myeloid cells — a type of immune cell that can cause inflammation — a pattern called skewed myelopoiesis. The team saw lower levels of a gene product called H3.3, which normally helps keep endogenous retroelements (EREs) — viral-like stretches of DNA inside our genome — turned off. Because H3.3 was lower, those EREs were more active, and this activity is linked to making the bone marrow produce more inflammatory myeloid cells. A similar pattern appeared in people after COVID-19, suggesting infection and MS may trigger the same bone marrow change through ERE dysregulation.

Who Should Care and Why

People with MS and their caregivers should care because this finding points to a possible reason why inflammation and disease progression can increase — it’s like a factory (bone marrow) shifting production to more inflammatory parts. Doctors and researchers should care because targeting the H3.3-ERE pathway could become a new way to reduce harmful immune changes, similar to fixing the factory’s control panel so it makes fewer dangerous parts. Caregivers might notice this helps explain why infections (like COVID-19) can make MS symptoms worse — the infection may press the same buttons that shift the bone marrow toward inflammation. Patients on treatments that affect the immune system should discuss this research with their neurologist, because future therapies might aim at these bone marrow controls rather than only the immune cells in the brain. Overall, the people most helped by this work could be MS patients prone to worsening after infections and the clinicians looking for new treatment approaches.

Important Considerations

This study analyzed gene activity patterns but did not test a new drug or directly prove that changing H3.3 or EREs will stop MS progression in people. The results come from comparing groups and looking at cells; individual responses can vary, so it’s not yet a treatment recommendation. More lab and clinical studies are needed to confirm this pathway is safe and effective to target in people with MS.

Categories:

Early Research MS Progression MS Genetics

Article Topics:

H3.3MSendogenous retroelementsmyelopoiesisneuroinflammation

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or are seeking to broaden your understanding of this complex, neurodegenerative disease, navigating the latest research can feel overwhelming. Studies published in respected medical journals like Annals of clinical and translational neurology often range from early-stage, exploratory work to advanced clinical trials. These evidence-based findings help shape new disease-modifying therapies, guide symptom management techniques, and deepen our knowledge of MS progression.

However, not all research is created equal. Some clinical research studies may have smaller sample sizes, evolving methodologies, or limitations that warrant careful interpretation. For a more comprehensive, accurate understanding, we recommend reviewing the original source material—accessible via the More Details section above—and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in MS care.

By presenting a wide range of MS-focused studies—spanning cutting-edge treatments, emerging therapies, and established best practices—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to stay informed and make well-informed decisions when managing Multiple Sclerosis.

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