New MS biomarkers may help track stem cell treatment response

Researchers at the Tisch Multiple Sclerosis Research Center of New York identified four biomarkers that changed after mesenchymal stem cell–derived neural progenitor cell treatment in progressive multiple sclerosis. The findings, published in STEM CELLS Translational Medicine, could give physicians a clearer way to monitor whether stem cell therapy is affecting inflammation and repair.

Why it matters: - Progressive multiple sclerosis is difficult to monitor because symptom changes can lag behind biological changes in the disease. - The new biomarkers could help physicians track whether stem cell treatment is affecting inflammation, immune activity and repair. - A clearer response measure may help accelerate how stem cell-based therapies are evaluated in MS.

What happened: - Scientists at the Tisch Multiple Sclerosis Research Center of New York identified new biomarkers in multiple sclerosis that may help track response to stem cell treatment. - The study was published Sept. 18, 2026 in STEM CELLS Translational Medicine. - Researchers examined cerebrospinal fluid from two groups of people with MS before and after treatment with mesenchymal stem cell–derived neural progenitor cells, or MSC-NPs. - The MSC-NPs were derived from a patient’s own bone marrow and administered into the cerebrospinal fluid.

The details: - Biomarkers are measurable biological indicators found in blood or cerebrospinal fluid. - Biomarkers can reflect disease progression or treatment response before symptoms noticeably change. - The study identified four biomarkers that changed after treatment. - CCL2 decreased, signaling reduced inflammatory activity. - SCF decreased, reflecting shifts in immune and support cell behavior. - MMP9 increased, which is tied to potential repair processes. - CHIT1 increased, which is also linked to potential repair processes. - Dr. Saud A. Sadiq, director of the center, said biomarkers are an excellent tool for monitoring progressive disease. - Dr. Sadiq said seeing biomarkers respond to stem cell-based treatment increases confidence in the potential of these therapies for MS.

Between the lines: - The findings suggest the treatment may be changing biology in ways that are not yet visible in day-to-day symptoms. - That kind of signal can matter in progressive MS, where clinicians need better ways to measure whether a therapy is working. - The biomarker pattern points to both reduced inflammation and possible repair activity, which is a notable combination for a disease with limited treatment options.

What's next: - The biomarker findings could be used in future studies to monitor stem cell treatment response more precisely. - The research may help guide larger efforts to test MSC-NPs in progressive multiple sclerosis. - The full study can be accessed here.