Major Breakthrough: Blood Test Might Predict Multiple Sclerosis Years Before Symptoms
Scientists have identified specific blood protein changes that appear in individuals who later develop multiple sclerosis (MS)—sometimes more than a decade before they are diagnosed.
Study Uncovers 39 Proteins Linked to MS Risk
A new study led by Dr. Adil Harroud at The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital) of McGill University has identified key blood protein alterations that could signal the future development of multiple sclerosis.
- Researchers used Mendelian Randomization to screen over 2,500 blood proteins.
- 39 proteins were found to be directly linked to MS risk.
- Many of these proteins are involved in immune cell signaling, a key mechanism in the disease.
Early Detection a Step Closer
The team then analyzed data from the UK Biobank, focusing on 124 individuals who developed MS after providing blood samples an average of six years earlier. The results were striking:
Eight proteins were already altered in the pre-diagnosis blood samples, years before any clinical symptoms appeared.
One Protein Offers Clue to Milder Disease
Among the findings, one protein stood out. DKKL1 was associated with lower MS risk and, crucially, a milder disease course in those who did develop the condition.
This finding suggests that a simple blood test could one day identify high-risk individuals, allowing for early intervention that might delay or even prevent the onset of MS.
Publication Details
The study was published in Annals of Neurology on May 22, 2026, marking a significant step toward predictive medicine for neurological disorders.