Monoclonal antibodies: a target therapy for multiple sclerosis
Lorena Lorefice, Giuseppe Fenu, Jessica Frau
1Ospedale Binaghi, Via Is guadazzonis 2, 09126, Cagliari, Italy. lorena.lorefice@hotmail.it.
Inflammation & Allergy Drug Targets
|February 1, 2014
Summary
Monoclonal antibodies offer targeted treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS), a central nervous system autoimmune disease. This review covers approved and emerging antibody therapies, focusing on their mechanisms, safety, and efficacy in managing MS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune central nervous system disorder causing neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
- Current MS management includes broad immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive therapies.
- There is a growing need for highly selective treatments targeting specific MS pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history, pharmacodynamics, and safety of monoclonal antibodies for multiple sclerosis.
- To discuss approved and investigational antibody therapies for MS treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of approved and clinical trial-stage monoclonal antibodies for MS.
- Analysis of therapeutic mechanisms, focusing on selective targeting of biological pathways.
Main Results:
- Natalizumab (Tysabri®) is an approved monoclonal antibody that blocks α4-integrin, reducing immune cell migration into the central nervous system.
- Several other monoclonal antibodies targeting diverse pathways are under investigation.
- These therapies aim to reduce relapses, disease progression, and disability in MS.
Conclusions:
- Monoclonal antibodies represent a significant advancement in the selective treatment of multiple sclerosis.
- Ongoing research and clinical trials are expanding the therapeutic landscape for MS with targeted antibody therapies.
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