The Blood–Brain Barrier in Multiple Sclerosis: From Dysfunction to Treatment

The blood–brain barrier is a highly specialised interface that regulates the movement of cells, molecules and nutrients between the circulation and the central nervous system.

But what happens when this critical barrier becomes dysfunctional in multiple sclerosis?

In this episode of the ECTRIMS Podcast, host Brett Drummond speaks with Prof. Elga de Vries of Amsterdam UMC and MS Center Amsterdam about the evolving science of blood–brain barrier dysfunction in MS.

They explore how the blood–brain barrier functions in health, how its disruption relates to immune cell infiltration and inflammatory disease activity, and why research increasingly suggests these changes may remain relevant across different stages of MS.

The conversation also looks at innovative blood–brain barrier-on-a-chip models, how existing MS treatments interact with the barrier, and emerging approaches designed to transport therapies more effectively into the CNS.

Finally, they consider an intriguing future direction: could strengthening the blood–brain barrier itself become part of the therapeutic strategy for MS?

This podcast episode is supported by an educational grant from Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Diseases, Bristol Myers Squibb, Roche, Sanofi, and UCB.