ACTRIMS 2022 | The role of the blood brain barrier in MS

Jorge Alvarez, PhD, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, outlines the significance of the blood brain barrier (BBB) in the context of multiple sclerosis (MS). The BBB, and other vascular beds within the central nervous system (CNS), are conduits for immune cell infiltration from the periphery into the CNS. The beds are damaged under the influence of immune cells, contributing to the pathological changes and lesions seen in MS patients. Dr Alvarez explains that the barriers of the meninges are also thought to activate and support the infiltrated immune cells. The role of vascular beds in immune cell infiltration and activation during disease development is an area for further investigation. This interview took place at the ACTRIMS Forum 2022 in West Palm Beach, Florida.