Stem cells rebuild nerve coating in MS mouse trial
Neural stem cell grafts have been shown to regenerate myelin – the protective coating around nerve fibres – in mice with multiple sclerosis (MS)-like brain lesions.
Researchers used induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) to test whether these could repair myelin damage in the central nervous system, a key feature of progressive MS.
MS is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath – a fatty layer that insulates nerve fibres and helps electrical signals travel efficiently. As the sheath is damaged, nerve signals slow or stop, leading to progressive neurological symptoms.
The work was led by researchers at the University of Cambridge, including Dr Luca Peruzzotti-Jametti from the Department of Clinical Neurosciences.
Peruzzotti-Jametti, said: “This research provides critical evidence that induced neural stem cell grafts can effectively turn into myelin-producing cells within the damaged central nervous system, suggesting a potential new way to treat progressive MS.”
In early stages of MS, some cells are able to regenerate damaged myelin, but this ability is significantly reduced in the chronic progressive stage of the disease.
This decline contributes to further neurodegeneration and increasing disability. Current treatments largely manage symptoms but do not stop or reverse underlying damage.
In this study, scientists used iNSCs – stem cells that can develop into different types of nerve cells – in mice to evaluate their ability to promote remyelination, the regeneration of myelin.
They found the grafts matured into oligodendrocytes – the cells responsible for producing myelin – and were able to restore myelin in previously damaged areas.
The study also provided evidence supporting the safety of human iNSC transplantation.
Professor Stefano Pluchino, clinical professor of regenerative neuroimmunology and senior author, said: “Our findings represent a significant step forward in understanding how stem cell therapies can be harnessed to combat chronic demyelinating disorders.
“We are particularly excited about the potential to develop central nervous system directed therapies that not only manage symptoms but also address the underlying neurodegenerative processes in progressive MS.
“We’ve shown we can make new myelin with stem cells, and demonstrated it is possible to target lesions with grafts.
“This is a major step forward in the research towards directed therapies for chronic demyelinating disorders such as progressive multiple sclerosis.”
The results carry important implications for RESTORE, a collaborative European and US consortium working to develop stem cell-based treatments for people with progressive MS.
The initiative includes scientists from the University of Cambridge, including Professor Pluchino and Dr Peruzzotti-Jametti.
Supported by the International Progressive MS Alliance through its Experimental Medicine Development Award Scheme 2025, RESTORE places people with MS at the centre of its research, involving them directly to ensure the work reflects their needs and priorities.
