Dr. Lawrence Steinman's  laboratory is dedicated to understanding the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica.

They have developed several new therapies for autoimmunity, including some in Phase 2 clinical trials in multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes mellitus, as well as one approved drug, natalizumab.

The lab has developed microarray technology for detecting autoantibodies to myelin proteins and lipids.  They employ a diverse range of molecular and cellular approaches to devise new medications for demyelinating diseases, and to help predict which current medications will work at various stages of these diseases.