Described are methods and products related to the identification of multiple sclerosis (MS) as a transmissible protein misfolding disorder. Data is presented to support the position that the transmissible protein is an abnormal prion protein conformer (PrPMS). Methods are described for identifying a subject having, or at risk of developing, multiple sclerosis (MS) based on determining the presence or absence of PrPMS in a sample from the subject. The presence of the abnormal prion protein conformer in the sample is indicative of the subject having MS or an increased risk of developing MS. Also described are therapeutics methods for the treatment of MS as well as cell cultures, non-human animal models and biological samples thereof useful for the study of MS.
