Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
09:38
Determining Immune System Suppression versus CNS Protection for Pharmacological Interventions in Autoimmune Demyelination
Published on: September 12, 2016
Basic and escalating immunomodulatory treatments in multiple sclerosis: current therapeutic recommendations.
1Department of Neurology and Clinical Research, Unit for MS and Neuroimmunology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. heinz.wiendl@klinik.uni-wuerzburg.de
Journal of Neurology
|November 14, 2008
Summary
This review updates immunomodulatory treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS), incorporating new evidence and expert consensus on indications and safety. It highlights areas of controversy and future research needs in MS management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- This review synthesizes current evidence on immunomodulatory treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS).
- It extends previous consensus reports on basic and escalating treatment strategies.
- Focuses on recent randomized controlled trials, open-label studies, and expert opinions.
Framework:
- Evidence-based criteria combined with expert opinion form the consensus framework.
- Data extracted from full-length publications were critically evaluated.
- A broad group of European experts contributed through consensus building.
Implementation:
- Evaluates indications for various immunomodulatory therapies in MS.
- Assesses safety issues based on published data.
- Circulated among National MS Societies and the European MS Platform for expert review.
Implications:
- Provides updated guidance for managing multiple sclerosis patients.
- Identifies areas of clinical controversy in MS treatment.
- Delineates critical needs for future research in immunomodulatory therapies for MS.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
01:29Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Upon diagnosis, managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves addressing several crucial aspects. The primary goals include resting the bowel, correcting malnutrition, and providing symptomatic relief. Resting the bowel may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Correcting malnutrition is essential, often requiring dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements. Symptomatic relief aims to ease pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts in IBD.
Pharmacologic...
Pharmacologic...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.