Journal Article

DZNE-2026-00554

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Hyperreflective Foci in the Inner Nuclear Layer: Proof-of-Concept for an Optical Coherence Tomography Derived Microglia-Related Marker in Multiple Sclerosis.

Gernert, J. A. ; Bartos, L. M. ; Christmann, T. ; Zausinger, H. ; Diedrich, L. N. ; Engels, D. ; Schlüter, M. ; Schlaeger, S. ; Stöcklein, S.Extern* ; Keidel, L. F. ; Kümpfel, T. ; Kerschensteiner, M. ; Brendel, M.DZNE* ; Havla, J.

2026
Wiley-Blackwell Hoboken, NJ

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1002/ana.78215

Abstract: The role of microglia has emerged as a critical driver of disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS), but we lack broadly applicable monitoring tools. Here, we investigated whether hyperreflective foci (HRF), as detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT) within the inner nuclear layer (INL) of the retina, can be used as a marker for microglial pathology. We demonstrate that HRF counts are increased in persons with relapsing and progressive MS and correlate with global white and gray matter, as well as deep gray matter [18F]GE-180 uptake. [Color figure can be viewed at www.annalsofneurology.org] ANN NEUROL 2026;99:1480-1485.

Keyword(s): Humans (MeSH) ; Tomography, Optical Coherence: methods (MeSH) ; Microglia: pathology (MeSH) ; Female (MeSH) ; Male (MeSH) ; Adult (MeSH) ; Middle Aged (MeSH) ; Multiple Sclerosis: diagnostic imaging (MeSH) ; Multiple Sclerosis: pathology (MeSH) ; Proof of Concept Study (MeSH) ; Biomarkers (MeSH) ; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting: diagnostic imaging (MeSH) ; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting: pathology (MeSH) ; Retina: diagnostic imaging (MeSH) ; Retina: pathology (MeSH) ; Gray Matter: diagnostic imaging (MeSH) ; Biomarkers

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Molecular Neurodegeneration (AG Haass)

Research Program(s):

1. 352 - Disease Mechanisms (POF4-352) (POF4-352)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Database coverage:
; ; ; BIOSIS Previews ; Biological Abstracts ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Clinical Medicine ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; DEAL Wiley ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 10 ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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