The role of CD4+ T-cells in the development of MS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive central nervous system (CNS) disease with unknown cause. Considerable evidence supports an autoimmune origin with an important role for cellular immune responses in its pathogenesis.

We have reviewed the current literature dealing with lymphocyte responses and their interactions as it relates to MS and present supporting evidence from animal models.

Issues regarding CD4+ T-cell subpopulations, their functional differentiation and regulatory interactions as they relate to their presumed role in MS-related pathology have been updated with references to the current literature.

The evidence reviewed supports an important role of CD4+ T-cells in the immunopathogenesis of MS. The successful outcome of blocking CD4 cells entry into the CNS of animals with experimental demyelinating disease and humans with MS is a strong support for other evidence of an important role of these cell populations in the pathogenesis of MS. The understanding of the specific roles of CD4+ T-cells in the development of MS is crucial for better disease management and the prevention of neurological disability.