Neuroimmunology

Neuroimmunology is a subspecialty that involves diagnosis and management of immune-mediated neurological disorders. Besides, through fundamental, translational and clinical research, neuroimmunologists try to improve the understanding of the complex bi-directional interactions between the nervous system and the immune system. Neuroimmunology is a rapidly evolving and exciting field in which the discovery of novel pathophysiological mechanisms contributes to development of new targeted treatment approaches.

Originally, neuroimmunologists mainly focused on immune-mediated disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, MOGAD, NMOSD, Susac syndrome, Guillain-Barré syndrome, CIDP, autoimmune encephalitis, paraneoplastic neurological syndromes, etc. However, the immune system contributes in a significant way to neurodegenerative diseases, neurovascular disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders, neuro-oncology, pain, ageing. Immune responses may contribute not only to disease but also play a role in regeneration and repair.

This involvement of inflammation and immunity in a wide variety of PNS and CNS diseases should provide fertile ground for productive interactions within EAN.

The EAN Scientific Panel on Neuroimmunology actively promotes the accumulation and dissemination of knowledge in the field of Neuroimmunology. This involves good neuroimmunological practice at the bedside and in the laboratory, relevant neuroimmunology research as well as excellent educational training.

Several instruments are used by the EAN Scientific Panel to approach these aims.

Task forces are appointed to recommend guidelines on specific and timely issues in the field of Neuroimmunology. Such task forces can be joint projects with other EAN Subspecialty Scientific Panels, EAN Coordinating Panels and other European medical associations. The findings, conclusions, and guidelines of the task forces are usually published in the European Journal of Neurology.

The EAN Scientific Panel on Neuroimmunology contributes to the annual EAN Congress with teaching courses, focused workshops, or other educational activities.

The involvement of the EAN Scientific Panel on Neuroimmunology members in EAN Coordinating Panels, to the annual European School of Neuroimmunology (ESNI) and to regional EAN teaching courses and programmes further underlines the high commitment of the Scientific Panel to education and training. The Panel also works at contributing to framework programmes of the European Commission and at fostering European collaboration in the field of clinical and experimental Neuroimmunology.

The panel has several working groups and all panel members, including RRFS members, are encouraged to actively participate in the Panel's activities (e.g. neuro-updates, congress topic/session proposals, survey's, guidelines, .... )

The Scientific Panel on Neuroimmunology organizes its annual meeting during the EAN congress, where activities of the past year and future plans are discussed.