About the International Journal of Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
A specialized, peer-reviewed open access platform advancing research into multiple sclerosis, autoimmune neurological disorders, and neuroimmunology through rigorous scholarship and rapid dissemination.
Why JSC Matters: Multiple sclerosis affects over 2.8 million people worldwide, representing one of the most common neurological disorders in young adults. JSC accelerates the pace of discovery by providing immediate, unrestricted access to research that informs clinical decision-making, shapes therapeutic development, and improves patient quality of life across diverse healthcare settings.
JSC welcomes original investigations, clinical studies, comprehensive reviews, and methodological innovations across the full spectrum of multiple sclerosis research and related autoimmune neurological disorders. Our interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular biology, clinical neurology, epidemiology, genetics, and advanced neuroimaging to provide holistic understanding of disease progression, treatment response, and long-term outcomes.
Multiple Sclerosis Biology
Pathophysiology, disease subtypes, relapsing-remitting patterns, progressive forms, myelin biology, and axo-glial interactions.
Autoimmune Neurological Disorders
Central nervous system autoimmunity, neuromyelitis optica, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and immune-mediated diseases.
Immunology & Neuroimmunology
Immune system dysregulation, T-cell and B-cell mechanisms, cytokine networks, and therapeutic immunomodulation.
Genetics & Epigenetics
Genetic susceptibility, gene-environment interactions, epigenetic modifications, and familial risk factors.
Clinical Neurology & Neuroimaging
MRI biomarkers, lesion characterization, brain atrophy, optical coherence tomography, and advanced imaging protocols.
Biomarker Discovery
Diagnostic biomarkers, prognostic indicators, treatment response predictors, and molecular signatures in CSF and blood.
Epidemiology & Public Health
Disease prevalence, geographic distribution, environmental risk factors, and population health surveillance.
Neurodegenerative Mechanisms
Neurodegeneration pathways, cognitive decline, disability progression, and neuroprotective strategies.
Microbiome & MS
Gut-brain axis, microbiome composition, dietary influences, and microbial contributions to autoimmunity.
For complete scope details and submission guidelines, please consult our Aims and Scope page.
JSC accepts diverse manuscript formats designed to accommodate different research methodologies and communication needs. Our editorial team evaluates submissions based on scientific rigor, methodological quality, originality, and relevance to the MS research community.
Novel findings and data-driven insights into MS pathophysiology, autoimmune mechanisms, genetics, neuroimaging biomarkers, therapeutic interventions, and disease progression. Studies should employ robust methodologies and provide translational value for clinical practice or future research directions.
Comprehensive syntheses of current knowledge on MS subtypes, treatment paradigms, neuroimmunology, genetic risk factors, microbiome influences, biomarker development, or emerging therapeutic approaches. Reviews should critically evaluate existing literature and identify knowledge gaps.
Clinical trials, observational cohort studies, registry analyses, and real-world evidence examining disease-modifying therapies, symptom management strategies, rehabilitation outcomes, or patient-reported quality of life measures in MS populations.
Brief reports of significant preliminary findings, novel methodological approaches, emerging biomarkers, or innovative technologies in MS research. These rapid communications facilitate timely dissemination of important discoveries.
Detailed documentation of rare presentations, unusual disease courses, novel treatment responses, or complex diagnostic challenges in MS or related autoimmune neurological disorders. Cases should provide educational value and clinical insights.
Development and validation of new research methodologies, neuroimaging protocols, biomarker assays, genetic analysis techniques, or computational approaches that advance MS research capabilities.
Expert commentary on current controversies, future research directions, clinical practice challenges, or emerging paradigms in neuroimmunology and MS management.
Constructive commentary, alternative interpretations, or additional insights related to previously published JSC articles, fostering scholarly dialogue within the MS research community.
Manuscript Preparation: Authors should prepare submissions according to our detailed Instructions for Authors, which outline formatting requirements, ethical standards, and reporting guidelines specific to different study designs.
JSC's editorial leadership comprises internationally recognized experts in neurology, immunology, genetics, and MS clinical research. Our editorial board ensures rigorous peer review, maintains publication standards, and guides the journal's strategic direction to serve the global MS research community.
JSC is committed to efficient, transparent peer review that respects researchers' time while maintaining the highest academic standards. Manuscripts undergo rigorous evaluation by subject matter experts who assess scientific merit, methodological rigor, and relevance to the MS research field.
Authors may submit manuscripts through our online submission system, where they receive prompt acknowledgment and regular status updates. Our editorial team strives for rapid first decisions, constructive reviewer feedback, and expedited publication of accepted manuscripts to accelerate knowledge dissemination.
Publication Timeline: JSC targets first decisions within 3-4 weeks of submission, with accepted manuscripts published online within days of final approval. This rapid workflow ensures your research reaches the global MS community when it matters most.
As an open access journal, JSC makes all published content immediately and permanently accessible to readers worldwide without subscription barriers. This model accelerates research impact, facilitates educational use, and ensures equitable access to MS research findings across diverse healthcare settings and geographic regions.
To sustain high-quality editorial services, peer review infrastructure, and global dissemination, JSC levies an article processing charge (APC) upon manuscript acceptance. Authors retain copyright under Creative Commons licensing, enabling broad reuse while ensuring proper attribution. Fee waivers and institutional discounts may be available in cases of financial hardship or for authors from underrepresented regions.
Researchers who have published with JSC consistently praise the journal's professionalism, efficiency, and commitment to scientific excellence. Here's what our authors say:
I cannot say enough about how good my experience working with OAP was. Submission is easy, and responses from the editorial staff respond promptly and professionally. The entire process from submission to PDF was completed in weeks rather than months.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
My experience was very positive working with OAP. My manuscript review was very thorough and I appreciated the attention to detail. I would recommend submitting a manuscript.
University of Calgary
Advance Multiple Sclerosis Research with JSC
Join our international community of researchers, clinicians, and scientists dedicated to advancing understanding of MS and related autoimmune neurological disorders. Share your discoveries, accelerate knowledge translation, and contribute to improving patient outcomes worldwide.
For editorial inquiries, submission questions, or collaboration opportunities, please contact us at [email protected]
