Summary: Canadian researchers led the development of a promising new drug designed to block harmful autoantibodies and potentially recover from the damage seen in multiple sclerosis (MS). The drug will need to be further evaluated especially in humans, but if found to be effective, this work will provide new ways of treating MS and other related immune disorders.
Background: In most cases, antibodies are beneficial and protect our bodies from harmful infections. However, in MS and related immune disorders like MOGAD and NMOSD, the immune system produces ‘autoantibodies’ that mistakenly target and damage the body’s own nervous tissue. Currently, there are no treatments that specifically target and permanently remove these harmful autoantibodies.
Results: Dr. Luc Vallières (Laval University) and his team developed a modified therapeutic autoantibody, called 8-18C5Mut, which contains a small molecular change that prevents it from triggering destructive mechanisms. When this modified autoantibody was given to mice with MS-like disease (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis or EAE), the mice went on to have a less severe disease course along with improvements in motor function. The treatment also slightly delayed disease onset in the EAE mice.
Impact: This research highlights a promising new strategy for targeting and eliminating harmful autoantibodies in MS. Further development and testing are required, but if successful, this approach could provide renewed hope for improving function and quality of life for people living with MS and related disorders.
References:
- Article published in PNAS on December 17, 2025 – Turncoat antibodies unmasked in a model of autoimmune demyelination: from biology to therapy.
- Learn more about Dr. Vallières’s research - Targeting Harmful Antibody-Secreting Cells in MS.