Research into neuroimmunology and multiple sclerosis

The Department of Neuroimmunology is headed by Prof. Dr. Patrick Roth and pursues various neuroimmunological projects. We offer patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials in which new therapeutic concepts, in particular for the treatment of MS, are investigated. If you are interested in participating in a study, please contact our team. We also collaborate with numerous hospitals and working groups in Switzerland, including as part of the Swiss MS Cohort Study (MSCS).

Dr. Marina Herwerth is also investigating the mechanisms underlying autoantibody-mediated neuroinflammation (in particular NMOSD and MOGAD) in experimental animal models in collaboration with Prof. Bruno Weber (UZH, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology). Together with PD Dr. M. Wyss, she uses state-of-the-art two-photon microscopy and innovative metabolic sensors to explore how inflammatory lesions develop and regress. The aim is to identify biomarkers and develop therapies that can favorably influence the healing process of inflammatory lesions. The focus is on astrocytes with their multifactorial tasks and neuroregeneration. Clinically, patient-related research projects on NMOSD and MOGAD diseases are led by Dr. M. Herwerth, who also participates in research projects within the German NEMOS network for research into NMOSD/MOGAD diseases together with other centers. New patients can be included at any time.

Dr. Veronika Kana conducts basic research into the consequences of dysregulated microglia-neuron interactions for the development of neurodegeneration. She also uses optical coherence tomography to investigate the role of retinal degeneration as a clinical biomarker in MS. As part of the international IMSVISUAL network, she is involved in projects investigating the visual system in multiple sclerosis and leads clinical research projects on MS.

Dr. Sarah Mundt researches the principles of neuroimmunology, i.e. the interaction between the (central) nervous system and the immune system. She is investigating how these interactions contribute to the development and progression of chronic inflammatory diseases of the CNS, particularly in multiple sclerosis (MS). Her research team uses a comprehensive approach that combines modern animal models with high-dimensional single-cell analysis and cell-specific genetic modifications. A particular focus is on phagocytes in the CNS. These include microglia as tissue-resident immune cells and monocytes and dendritic cells migrating from the blood. The team is investigating how these cells are activated during the disease, how they can contribute to damage and in which situations they have a protective effect. The group is also researching so-called tolerance mechanisms to CNS antigens. This concerns the central question of how the immune system is prevented from attacking the brain in a healthy state and why this protection is lost in diseases such as MS. The aim is to gain a better understanding of disease mechanisms and derive new strategies for earlier detection and more effective treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases.