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Research & Innovation

The care we provide in the Neuroimmunology Center is driven by our research. As leaders in our field, we’re constantly seeking to improve our understanding of neuroimmunological conditions and their treatment.

Explore some of our latest research news

Study highlights the severity of acute necrotizing encephalopathy in kids with the flu

Recent research led by Boston Children's shows the severity of ANE — and demonstrates why flu vaccines are crucial in prevention.

More from Answers
Rare flu complication causing brain swelling is rising in kids, doctors warn

Severe flu seasons in recent years have brought to light a little-known danger of influenza infections in kids.

More from NBC News
Flu-linked necrotizing encephalopathy in children carries high risks

A study finds influenza-associated necrotizing encephalopathy in children has high mortality and disability, underscoring need for early care.

More from Contemporary Pediatrics

Areas of active research

Current studies

What is this study about? Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) and other demyelinating diseases are complex, and many questions remain about their causes, progression, and treatment. The Pediatric MS and Demyelinating Disease Database (PeMSDD), led by the Network of Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Centers (NPMSC), was created to address these gaps. By collecting clinical information from children diagnosed with MS and related conditions at sites across the U.S., this study aims to advance understanding of early-onset demyelinating diseases and support the development of future clinical trials and treatment strategies.

Who can be in the study? Individuals under 25 years old with a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system starting prior to the age of 18. 

What does study participation involve? Participation in this research study involves a one-time discussion with a coordinator and providing consent for our research team to review your child’s medical history and record pertinent information into our database. Our study team may reach out with follow-up questions or to request additional information on your child’s course of the disease treatment.

Who do I contact if I am interested in hearing more about the study? Email hie.kim@childrens.harvard.edu or call 617-355-2232.

The OMS Research Initiative at Boston Children’s Hospital is inviting patients diagnosed with pediatric-onset OMS to participate in an ongoing, multi-site clinical data registry to learn more about the causes, outcomes, and treatments of this incredibly rare condition. Any child, teen, or adult diagnosed with OMS prior to the age of 18 is eligible to participate.

Participation involves a one-time (~30 minute) interview with a member of our research team where you will be asked questions pertaining to your or your child’s OMAS diagnosis. Permission to access your child’s medical records and information about your OMS care will be requested.

This is a minimal-risk study, with no direct benefits or compensation offered for participation. Our hope from this research is to learn more about OMS in order to help children, families, and clinicians dealing with this disease in the future.

Participation does not require travel to Boston Children’s Hospital or any study site. You may take part from home, as long as you live in the United States.

To learn more, please email oms.research@childrens.harvard.edu.

Principal investigator: Mark Gorman, MD.

What is this study about? This study, led by physicians and scientists at Boston Children’s Hospital, is focused on understanding the causes and treatments of neuroinflammatory disorders. The Biomarkers in Neuroinflammatory Disorders (BIND) protocol collects clinical data and biological samples from patients with confirmed or suspected neuroinflammatory conditions. By studying these samples, the research aims to explore the underlying biology, causes, and treatment of these disorders. The goal is to identify key biomarkers that could improve diagnosis and treatment. Data and samples collected under this protocol will be stored for future research, potentially contributing to studies on protein abnormalities, genetic factors, and other insights into neuroinflammatory diseases.

Who can be in the study? Individuals with confirmed or suspected neuroinflammatory disorder or first-degree relatives of someone with confirmed or suspected neuroinflammatory disorder.

What does study participation involve? Participation in this research study involves providing leftover samples from your clinical visits and procedures, such as blood, saliva, surgical tissue, urine, and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We may also ask for a blood sample, often taken during your next clinical blood draw. With your permission, we may contact you in the future about providing additional samples, which may also be collected alongside your routine clinical procedures. We will also review your medical history as part of the study, and your samples and data may be shared with other researchers, with all identifying information removed to protect your privacy.

Who do I contact if I am interested in hearing more about the study? Email bind@childrens.harvard.edu.

What is this study about? This study, led by physicians and scientists at Boston Children’s Hospital, is focused on understanding the causes and treatments of neuroinflammatory disorders. One particular disorder being studied is Rapid-onset obesity with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation (ROHHAD). The Biomarkers in Neuroinflammatory Disorders (BIND) protocol collects clinical data and biological samples from patients with confirmed or suspected ROHHAD. By studying these samples, the research aims to explore the natural history, causes, and treatment of this disorder. The goal is to identify key biomarkers that could improve diagnosis and treatment. Data and samples collected under this protocol will be stored for future research, potentially contributing to studies on protein abnormalities, genetic factors, and other insights into ROHHAD.

Who can be in the study? Individuals with similar conditions, confirmed or suspected ROHHAD, or first-degree relatives of someone with confirmed or suspected ROHHAD.

What does study participation involve? Participation in this research study involves providing leftover samples from your clinical visits and procedures, such as blood, saliva, surgical tissue, urine, and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We may also ask for a blood sample during your next clinical blood draw. With your permission, we may contact you in the future about providing additional samples, which will be collected alongside your routine clinical procedures. We will also review your medical history as part of the study, and your samples and data may be shared with other researchers, with all identifying information removed to protect your privacy.

Who do I contact if I am interested in hearing more about the study? Email ROHHAD@childrens.harvard.edu.

What is this study about? Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in children and teens is not well understood, and more research is needed to guide treatment. This study looks at how safe and well-tolerated ocrelizumab is in children and adolescents ages 10 to 18 who have RRMS. Researchers will also study how the drug is absorbed in the body, how it affects blood cells, and how much of it stays in the blood over time to help determine the best dose for future studies. The study will also look at whether participants develop antibodies to the medication. Additional measures will include tracking relapses, changes in symptoms or disability, brain imaging, and how RRMS may affect thinking, memory, and vision.

Who can be in the study? Children and adolescents ages ≥ 10 to < 18 years with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

* — Closed to enrollment 

What is this study about? Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in children and adolescents is a complex disease with limited treatment options specifically studied in younger populations. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ocrelizumab, an intravenous therapy given every 24 weeks, compared with fingolimod, an oral medication taken daily, in participants aged 10 to under 18 years with RRMS.

Who can be in the study? Children and adolescents ages ≥ 10 to < 18 years with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

* — Closed to enrollment

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