The medication tested by Schepers is a so-called PDE4 inhibitor, a type of medication that inhibits proteins involved in various processes in the body. A general PDE4 inhibitor inhibits all subtypes of PDE4. However, Schepers' research indicates that by specifically inhibiting two subtypes of PDE4, the therapeutic effects can be preserved without the unpleasant side effects. Schepers states, "We no longer need to shoot PDE with a cannon, but can instead fire targeted shots at the subtypes. This brings us closer to a new treatment for MS that is not only effective but also safe."

Before the medication can be introduced as a treatment for MS and other conditions, there are still several important steps to be taken. Schepers explains, "It will certainly take several more years. My research has shown promising results in mice as a potential treatment for people with MS. We are now identifying the next studies needed to determine if it is a safe treatment for humans. Our goal is to transfer this knowledge to a company that has the resources to conduct extensive research, with the assistance of business developers from both Maastricht University and the biomedical research institute (BIOMED) of Hasselt University. As researchers, we will remain involved at every step. That is important to me because I hope to ultimately make a real difference for people."

Loss of myelin and inflammatory reactions also cause severe impairments in other brain and spinal cord disorders. Therefore, Schepers has investigated whether PDE inhibitors can be used more broadly. "We have been able to determine which subtypes of PDE4 need to be inhibited in spinal cord injuries, brain infarctions, and nerve damage. The further development of this type of treatment can thus be of great importance for a wide range of conditions involving myelin loss."

Schepers began her research with a tUL grant (Transnational University Limburg), a collaboration between Maastricht University and Hasselt University. Schepers explains: "My supervisors at UM are experts in the field of PDE4, and the BIOMED supervisors at UHasselt are experts in MS. So, I have experts on both sides who complement each other, and I can combine their knowledge in my research. This collaboration is ideal. I don't easily fall into tunnel vision because of the different perspectives within the research team. That's what makes it fun." Under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Tim Vanmierlo, the team initiated multiple collaborations, consistently pooling expertise from both sides of the Maas River.

Having supervisors from different universities also offers Schepers additional career opportunities. "Thanks to both Flemish and Dutch grants, I have been able to expand my research," she says. "And because my supervisors have connections in various fields, I have had more opportunities to collaborate on new projects and future steps. Additionally, I can exchange knowledge at various conferences and have access to the facilities in both labs."

The doctoral research of Melissa Schepers was funded by the tUL grant, the Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), the MS Foundation Netherlands, and the Charcot Foundation.