Our Research group is a member of BioMSeu, the leading European network of researchers in the field of body fluid biomarkers in multiple sclerosis and related disorders
Dr. David Leppert, Department of Neurology – Ospedale Universitario di Basilea
PI NICO Alessia Di Sapio – Direttore BIOBANCA del CRESM
Granulocyte activation markers as biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of NMOSD and MOGAD vs MS: a novel diagnostic tool to support timely acute phase therapy
The project aims to develop a diagnostic tool to rapidly differentiate between NMOSD, MOGAD, and MS, using granulocyte activation markers (GAMs) and astrocytic damage markers (ADMs). The goal is also to assess whether GAMs can serve as prognostic markers for clinical relapses and therapeutic efficacy in patients with NMOSD. Additionally, the use of the tool as a simple diagnostic platform is being explored, even before implementation in advanced hospital centers. Finally, the toxicity of GAMs on astrocytes and neurons will be investigated in vitro, as a basis for future therapeutic interventions with protease inhibitors. The CRESM BIOBANK is collaborating on the project by providing samples and associated data.
Dott. Andrew Pachner, Università di Dartmouth
PI NICO Dott.ssa Alessia Di Sapio – Direttore BIOBANCA del CRESM
CXCL13 index as a predictive biomarker in clinically isolated syndrome
The project aims to explore the use of the CXCL13 index (i(CXCL13)) as a predictive biomarker for the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Since the course of untreated CIS is unpredictable, clinicians often rely on moderately effective disease-modifying therapies (ME-DMTs) or adopt a “wait-and-see” approach, despite evidence suggesting that early treatment with highly effective disease-modifying therapies (HE-DMTs) can lead to better outcomes.
The i(CXCL13) measures intrathecal levels of CXCL13, a chemokine that attracts pathogenic B cells into the central nervous system. Its levels have been correlated with future MS activity. A high i(CXCL13) level indicates an active neuroinflammatory process, suggesting that these patients could benefit from HE-DMTs. In contrast, normal levels of i(CXCL13) are associated with a milder disease course, where HE-DMTs may not be necessary.
The study will collect cerebrospinal fluid and serum samples from multiple international sites, correlating i(CXCL13) levels with clinical outcomes in MS. The ultimate goal is to validate i(CXCL13) as a reliable biomarker to guide therapeutic decisions in CIS patients, supporting a more personalized and effective approach to early MS management.
The CRESM BIOBANK is collaborating on the project by providing samples and associated data.
Dr. Caterina Veroni, Istituto Superiore di Sanità
PI NICO Dr. Alessia Di Sapio – Director of the CRESM BIOBANK
Study of the link between EBV infection, genetically determined increased BAFF expression, and the risk of MS in Sardinia and mainland Italy
This research project focuses on the role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and the BAFF-var genetic variant in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is an autoimmune disease of the nervous system, believed to be influenced by the interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as EBV. The BAFF-var variant may enhance the survival of B cells infected by the virus, contributing to immune dysregulation and the onset of MS.
The main goal is to analyze the correlation between this genetic variant, EBV, and molecular biomarkers in the blood of MS patients and healthy individuals, in order to improve diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring. The project is coordinated by the IstitutoSuperiore di Sanità and involves various research centers across Italy. The CRESM BIOBANK is collaborating in the project by providing samples and associated data.
Dr. Gran, Prof. Salvetti, Prof.Mechelli, University of Nottingham and San Raffaele University of Rome
PI NICO Dr. Alessia Di Sapio – Director of the CRESM BIOBANK
Interaction between immune responses to CMV and EBV in Multiple Sclerosis
This study investigates the potential protective role of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in multiple sclerosis (MS), focusing on its immunological interaction with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and other herpesviruses. In a British cohort, both the seroprevalence and antibody levels against CMV were significantly lower in MS patients compared to controls.
The project includes a cross-sectional study in a population from Northern Italy, using samples from the CRESM biobank. Antibody, cytokine, and cellular responses to major herpesviruses will be analyzed in individuals with and without prior CMV infection. The aim is to gain a better understanding of the immunomodulatory role of CMV in MS susceptibility.
The CRESM BIOBANK is collaborating on the project by providing samples and associated data.
Prof.Mechelli, San Raffaele University of Rome
EBNA2-regulated genes in MS: study of coding and non-coding transcripts in blood and CNS
PI NICO Dr.Alessia Di Sapio – Director of the CRESM BIOBANK
This study investigates the role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) EBNA2 gene variants—particularly the 1.2 allele associated with multiple sclerosis (MS)—in altering gene expression and small non-coding RNAs in B cells, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain tissue. The aim is to validate ex vivo and post-mortem data by analyzing the effects of viral variants on pathogenic mechanisms. The findings could help clarify virus–host interactions and identify novel biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
Participants will include untreated individuals with relapsing-remitting MS, compared with healthy controls and patients with other neurological diseases. The CRESM BIOBANK is collaborating on the project by providing samples and associated data.