Research Programs

The Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology at Mayo Clinic has made groundbreaking progress on multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica, autoimmune encephalitis and other neurological conditions, and it continues rigorous efforts toward more scientific discoveries.

The center has numerous areas of research dedicated to ultimately finding better or new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat neurological disorders and autoimmune neurological disorders, offering patients hope for the future.

These research programs and focus areas in the center include:

• Autoimmune encephalitis. Our clinicians and researchers are committed to discovering novel biomarkers and diagnostic clues and developing more-effective treatment strategies for this complex category of disease. Read more.
• Biorepository. The center's biorepository is the largest U.S. biorepository of brain tissues, serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with inflammatory demyelinating disorders and autoimmune neurological disorders. Read more.
• Multiple sclerosis. The vision for MS research at Mayo Clinic is the result of a unique blend of clinical research and basic science investigators coming together to push the boundaries of our current understanding. Read more.
• Neuromyelitis optica. Mayo Clinic is recognized as a center of excellence for neuromyelitis optica diagnosis, treatment and research. Our experts are committed to discovering the cause of neuromyelitis optica and developing new and better treatment strategies. Read more.
• Stem cell therapy. The center is applying stem cell therapy technology to regenerative medicine, multiple sclerosis and autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system. Read more.
• Collaborative programs. A powerful network of research labs, investigators and programs forms the hub that brings together physician-scientists across the spectrum of neurological diseases and drives the advances that allow Mayo Clinic to stand apart as a leader in the field. Read more.