The Rocky Mountain MS Center is proud to partner with the basic science research team at the University of Colorado Denver, a group of physicians and scientists devoted to the vigorous investigation of the antigen-driven response in multiple sclerosis. It is believed that identification of the antigen(s) in MS will lead researchers to the cause(s) of the disease and, ultimately, to a cure. Dr. Donald Gilden is Chairman of the Department of Neurology at the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine and directs the University’s MS basic science research laboratory. Here University researchers use cutting-edge molecular immunological strategies and techniques to determine the cause of MS by examining the antigenic targets of IgG antibody present in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of MS patients. Identification of the antigen(s) in MS will lead researchers to the cause(s) of the disease and, ultimately, to disease prevention. Currently, this research is supported by the National Institutes of Health and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Research team leaders include Drs. Greg Owens, Jeffrey Bennett, Mark Burgoon, Xiaoli Yu and Anna Sargsyan. Exciting studies underway in Dr. Gilden’s labs include:

• Role of B cell immunity in the pathogenesis of MS
• Identification of the primary target of the humoral immune response in optic neuritis and MS
• Examination of the humoral immune response in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and MS
• Identification of peptides/proteins specific for MS
• Examination of the role of specific viruses in MS

Scientists at the MS research laboratories at the University of Colorado Denver are national leaders in the effort to find the cause and the cure for multiple sclerosis.