Multiple sclerosis: 2024 update

Authors

  • Luisa Klotz Department of Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
  • Maija Saraste Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Neurocenter, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Clinical Neurosciences, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
  • Laura Airas Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Neurocenter, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Clinical Neurosciences, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
  • Tanja Kuhlmann Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17879/freeneuropathology-2025-6762

Keywords:

Multiple sclerosis, Genetics, Disease course, Diagnostic criteria, Biomarkers, Imaging, Treatment

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex immune-mediated disease that leads to neurological disability, with ongoing challenges in understanding its initiation, predicting progression, and optimizing personalized treatment. This review article summarizes key research findings from 2024, covering advances in diagnostic criteria, understanding of pathophysiology, and treatment strategies. New studies reinforce the strong link between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and MS, while recent data point towards a role of genetics in MS disease progression. The 2024 McDonald criteria revision enhances diagnostic specificity and includes novel MRI markers and facilitates measurement of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. Additionally, recent genetic discoveries, advanced imaging techniques, and emerging biomarkers are refining disease monitoring and prognosis. Finally, we highlight promising therapeutic developments, including Bruton Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitors and CAR T-cell therapies, with the former representing a paradigm shift in the potential of targeting MS progression beyond focal inflammation.

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Published

2025-07-08

How to Cite

Klotz, L., Saraste, M., Airas, L., & Kuhlmann, T. (2025). Multiple sclerosis: 2024 update. Free Neuropathology, 6, 14. https://doi.org/10.17879/freeneuropathology-2025-6762

Issue

Vol. 6 (2025)

Section

Reviews

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Luisa Klotz, Maija Saraste, Laura Airas, Tanja Kuhlmann

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Papers are published open access under the Creative Commons BY 4.0 license. This license lets others distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon your work, even commercially, as long as they credit you for the original creation. Data included in the article are made available under the CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication waiver, unless otherwise stated, meaning that all copyrights are waived.