The role of methallothioneins in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in which oxidative stress plays a pathogenic role. Metallothioneins are antioxidant proteins induced in the CNS under conditions where oxidative stress has taken place, such as tissue injury, stress, and some neurodegenerative diseases, which have been postulated to play a neuroprotective role. In this review we summarize recent progress in understanding the regulation and function of methallothioneins during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis.