Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Determining Immune System Suppression versus CNS Protection for Pharmacological Interventions in Autoimmune Demyelination
Published on: September 12, 2016
Back to the future for multiple sclerosis therapy: focus on current and emerging disease-modifying therapeutic
J Ludovic Croxford1, Takashi Yamamura
1Department of Immunology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
The last decade has seen numerous advances in the treatment of multiple sclerosis with six immunotherapeutic agents licensed for use. Although these therapeutic agents have powerful effects upon the inflammatory phase of disease, they have limitations in treating the progression of disability and in their safety profile. This review focuses on our current understanding of first- and second-line treatments for multiple sclerosis, including combination therapies, and also discusses the most promising novel therapeutic strategies on the horizon. Such agents include orally administered immunosuppressive drugs, monoclonal antibodies, antigen-specific tolerance, and neural protection and repair strategies. The challenge ahead lies in the delivery of potent drugs to inhibit inflammation and neurodegeneration while limiting side effects. Further elucidation of the pathophysiology of disease may provide new clinical targets and disease-relevant biomarkers that, in combination with proteomics, may help personalize treatment to individual patients.
Related Concept Videos
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
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...
Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
iPS Cell Differentiation

