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Published on: February 5, 2015
T-cells in multiple sclerosis
Christopher Severson1, David A Hafler
1Division of Molecular Immunology, Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Woman's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifocal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system pathologically characterized by lesions of infiltrating macrophages and T cells. Multiple lines of evidence implicate that T cells play a central role in both mediating and regulating MS pathophysiology, and efforts to develop rational therapeutic strategies for MS have focused on understanding factors which control T cell function. T cells are a highly heterogeneous population comprised of multiple cell subtypes which mediate both adaptive immunity and specific tolerance. Much has been learned about the molecular signals that induce T cell activation and differentiation, and several effective treatments for MS act by altering these activation and differentiation pathways. In recent years, increasing recognition has been given to T cell subsets which serve immunosuppressive or regulatory functions, and it has been discovered that patients with MS have a functional defect in these cells. Current work is beginning to shed light on interactions of pathogenic and regulatory T cells with the intrinsic cells of the CNS to provide a more comprehensive picture of MS pathogenesis.
Insights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves T cells, crucial for immunity and tolerance. Research reveals a functional defect in regulatory T cells in MS patients, impacting central nervous system pathology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Cellular immunology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system demyelinating disease.
- T cells are central to MS pathophysiology, mediating and regulating disease.
- Understanding T cell function is key for MS therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of T cell heterogeneity in MS.
- To investigate the function of immunosuppressive/regulatory T cell subsets in MS.
- To elucidate interactions between pathogenic and regulatory T cells and CNS cells in MS.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of T cell subtypes and their functions.
- Investigation of molecular signals controlling T cell activation and differentiation.
- Examination of T cell interactions with central nervous system intrinsic cells.
Main Results:
- T cells are highly heterogeneous, mediating immunity and tolerance.
- Effective MS treatments target T cell activation and differentiation pathways.
- Patients with MS exhibit a functional defect in regulatory T cells.
Conclusions:
- T cells play a critical role in MS pathogenesis.
- Defects in regulatory T cells are implicated in MS.
- Further research into T cell subsets and CNS interactions is needed for a comprehensive understanding of MS.
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