Translating the findings from the mouse model of meningeal inflammation to the human disease of multiple sclerosis requires careful consideration of the differences in spatial distribution and organization of meningeal inflammation between the two systems. While the mouse model provides valuable insights into the molecular pathways and cellular interactions involved in meningeal inflammation and its effects on the adjacent brain parenchyma, the spatial distribution of meningeal inflammation in humans may vary.
Human studies using post-mortem brain tissue samples from individuals with multiple sclerosis can help validate the findings from the mouse model and provide insights into the relevance of specific inflammatory pathways in the human disease. Spatial transcriptomic analyses of human brain tissue can reveal the similarities and differences in gene expression patterns between meningeal inflammation, grey matter pathology, and adjacent brain regions. By comparing the spatial organization of inflammatory responses in mouse models and human samples, researchers can identify conserved pathways and potential therapeutic targets for addressing grey matter pathology in multiple sclerosis.
Additionally, advanced imaging techniques such as high-resolution MRI, positron emission tomography (PET), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be used to visualize meningeal inflammation and grey matter pathology in living patients with multiple sclerosis. These imaging modalities can provide real-time information on the spatial distribution of inflammatory lesions, neuronal damage, and neurodegenerative processes, allowing for the monitoring of disease progression and treatment response in clinical settings.