[Recent advances in pathogenesis and therapy of multiple sclerosis]

In this article, recent advances in the research on pathogenesis and therapy of multiple sclerosis (MS) will be summarized. New evidence from clinical studies, imaging, histopathology and experimental models are discussed with a focus on neurodegenerative aspects and evidence from recent therapeutic studies. During the last decade, important advances in immunotherapy have been achieved, which proved especially useful for patients with relapsing remitting MS. The introduction of interferons and glatiramer acetate into MS therapy often leads to a stabilization of the disease course if administered adequately and early. The pathogenetic insights presented here may open new avenues for innovative immunomodulatory approaches and lead to an individualized MS therapy in the future. Neuroprotective treatment strategies aim at the protection of glial and neuronal cells.