Rebecca Manzi An important recognition to Stephen Hauser and Alberto Ascherio for the progress they have made in research on multiple sclerosis
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Two scholars have recently made groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of multiple sclerosis (MS) and were awarded the prestigious Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for their efforts. Often referred to as the “Oscars of Science,” the award was presented to Professor Stephen Hauser of the University of California, San Francisco, and Professor Alberto Ascherio of Harvard University for their revolutionary discoveries related to the disease.
Stephen Hauser’s groundbreaking discovery
Professor Hauser has profoundly changed the understanding of MS by proving that B cells of the immune system, rather than T lymphocytes, are primarily responsible for damaging nerve fibers. This discovery has paved the way for therapies targeting B cells, which are now used worldwide to treat multiple sclerosis. This shift in understanding has led to new treatments that are proving highly effective in combating the disease.
Alberto Ascherio’s pivotal research
At the same time, Alberto Ascherio conducted a large-scale study demonstrating that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection increases the risk of developing MS by a staggering 32 times. Using health data from over 10 million U.S. military personnel collected over a period of 20 years, Ascherio found compelling evidence linking EBV to the onset of the disease. His research has provided the strongest proof yet of the viral connection to MS.
New perspectives on prevention
The implications of these studies are profound. The discovery linking EBV to MS opens up the possibility of developing specific antiviral drugs and, importantly, a vaccine against the virus, which could prevent the onset of the disease. This marks a paradigm shift: rather than focusing solely on symptom treatment, there is now the potential for preventing multiple sclerosis altogether.
Ascherio, originally from Milan, began his career as a doctor in Central America and Africa before turning to research with the aim of discovering the causes of diseases and preventing them at the root. For years, he has focused on neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and now Alzheimer’s, for which he hopes to secure the funding needed to continue his promising studies.
His methodical approach, collaboration with other researchers, and deep belief in the value of his work form the foundation of a success that is changing the future of medicine. Thanks to their groundbreaking work, Hauser and Ascherio are bringing the world one step closer to a definitive cure for multiple sclerosis.
