Microglia Activation Linked to Nerve Damage in MS
Increased activation of microglia, the resident immune cells in the brain that contribute to chronic inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS), is significantly associated with higher levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL) protein, indicating more nerve damage, a study found. The study provides evidence that activated microglia in MS can “contribute to neuroaxonal [nerve fiber] damage resulting in release of neurofilament light (NfL),” and highlights the role of active brain lesions in promoting nerve damage.