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The human microbiome in multiple sclerosis: pathogenic or protective constituents?

Christopher Power1, Joseph M Antony, Kristofor K Ellestad

  • 1Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences. Le Journal Canadien Des Sciences Neurologiques
|January 21, 2011
PubMed

Insights

The human microbiome influences multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. Infections may be pathogenic or beneficial, impacting immune and nervous systems, with implications for MS diagnosis and therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • The human microbiome comprises microorganisms with diverse effects on host tissues.
  • Infectious agents are implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis, with varied findings.
  • The hygiene hypothesis suggests potential long-term benefits of certain microbial exposures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of specific infectious agents in MS.
  • To examine the impact of these agents on the immune and nervous systems.
  • To explore the microbiome's potential in MS diagnostics and therapeutics.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on herpes viruses, coronaviruses, and retroviruses.
  • Analysis of immune-mediated mechanisms in MS pathogenesis.
  • Consideration of synchronic infections and their role.

Main Results:

  • Infectious agents' contributions to MS vary based on agent, techniques, and phenotype.
  • Effects on immune and nervous systems are diverse, potentially pathogenic or beneficial.
  • Microbiome interactions may influence disease course and outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Infectious agents play a complex role in MS, not exclusively pathogenic.
  • The human microbiome holds significant potential for future MS diagnostics.
  • Targeting the microbiome may offer novel therapeutic strategies for MS.

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