Neuroimmunological Diseases Section
Established in 2018
Amir Moghadam Ahmadi, M.D.
Staff Clinician 2 and Associate Research Physician
Specialty(s): Neurology Provides direct clinical care to patients at NIH Clinical Center
Major Areas of Research
Dr. Ahmadi’s research focuses on clinical and translational aspects of neuroimmunology, with a particular emphasis on multiple sclerosis (MS). His work integrates clinical phenotyping, biomarker discovery, and patient-centered research to better understand disease heterogeneity, progression, and treatment response.
Primary Research Areas
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology: Pathophysiology, clinical phenotyping, and therapeutic optimization of MS and related neuroinflammatory disorders.
- MS Comorbidities and Systemic Health: Investigation of cardiovascular disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and other systemic conditions that influence MS susceptibility, progression, and disability outcomes.
- Modifiable Risk Factors in MS: Impact of lifestyle and environmental factors—including diet, physical activity, smoking cessation, and weight management—on disease activity, progression, and quality of life.
- Biomarkers and Translational Research: Identification of clinical, immunological, and imaging biomarkers to predict disease course and therapeutic response.
- Patient-Centered Outcomes and Preventive Neurology: Development of strategies to improve functional outcomes, reduce disability, and promote holistic care in individuals with neuroimmunological diseases.
Through his work at NIAID in collaboration with Dr. Bibiana Bielekova, Dr. Ahmadi contributes to advancing precision medicine approaches and improving long-term outcomes for patients with multiple sclerosis.
Biography
Education
M.D. in Neurology
Languages Spoken
Persian/FarsiAmir Moghadam Ahmadi, M.D. is a Staff Clinician 2 and Associate Research Physician in the Neuroimmunological Diseases Section (NDS), Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology (LCIM), at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH). He works under the leadership of Dr. Bibiana Bielekova, contributing to clinical and translational research focused on neuroimmunological disorders, particularly multiple sclerosis (MS).
Dr. Ahmadi received his M.D. from Iran University of Medical Sciences in 2004 and completed his neurology residency in 2011 at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran, where he served as Chief Resident. Prior to joining the NIH in 2024, he was an Associate Professor of Neurology at Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences in Iran, where he founded and directed a regional Multiple Sclerosis Center and led clinical and translational research programs.
He further advanced his training as a Neuro-Immunology Research Scholar and Clinical Research Coordinator at Thomas Jefferson University for 2 years. Dr. Ahmadi has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters in neuroimmunology, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases, and he is an active member of professional organizations including the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the American Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS).
At NIAID, Dr. Ahmadi supports clinical protocols and conducts research aimed at improving the understanding of disease mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutic strategies in multiple sclerosis and related neuroimmunological disorders.
Selected Publications
First author/ Corresponding author:
Association between metabolic syndrome and stroke: a population-based cohort study. BMC Endocr Disord. 2023 Jun; 23(1): 131. doi: 10.1186/s12902-023-01383-6. PMID: 37280576; PMCID: PMC10242903.
The effect of head cooling and remote ischemic conditioning on patients with traumatic brain injury. iScience. 2021 Jun; 24(6): 1-18. PMID: 2021.102472.
Bio-effectiveness of the main flavonoids of Achillea millefolium in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders-a review. Iranian Journal of basic medical sciences. 2017 Jun; 20(6): 604-612. PMID: 28868116.
Co-author:
IL-37 suppresses CNS autoimmunity by increasing the frequency of Treg cells and reducing CD4+T cell-derived IL-10 production. J Neuroinflammation 2024 Nov; 21, 301. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-024-03295-1.
Safety and outcomes of intravenous thrombolytic therapy in ischemic stroke patients with COVID-19: CASCADE initiative. Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases. 2021 Dec; 30(12): 106-121. PMID: 34601242.
Achillea millefolium is beneficial as an add-on therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytomedicine. 2019 Jan; 59: 89-97. PMID: 30599916.