Targeting the chemokine system for multiple sclerosis treatment

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disorder of the human central nervous system (CNS). The typical pathological hallmark of active MS is the presence of inflammatory foci disseminated in the CNS. It is believed that the composition of inflammatory infiltrates is determined in part by the spectrum of chemokines produced in a focus of inflammation. Numerous studies suggest chemokine involvement in MS pathogenesis. Interfering with chemokine-chemokine-receptor interactions may potentially lead to prevention and/or amelioration of CNS inflammatory processes. Initial studies to obtain 'proof-of-principle' used neutralizing antibodies in small animal models of MS. The subsequent generation of chemokine receptor inhibitors were modified chemokine peptides. At present, the development of small molecule antagonists to chemokine receptors is the dominant approach. Current evidence suggests that chemokines and their receptors are promising targets for effective treatment of MS and other CNS inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.