Erythrocytes in multiple sclerosis - forgotten contributors to the pathophysiology?

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Hematology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
• Current research primarily focuses on lymphocytes and immune cells, neglecting erythrocytes (red blood cells).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential role of erythrocytes in MS pathology.
• To explore how erythrocytes might contribute to MS through antioxidant capacity and haemorheology.
• To examine the impact of disease-modifying therapies on erythrocytes in MS.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on erythrocytes and MS.
• Analysis of erythrocyte function, including antioxidant capacity and haemorheological properties.
• Examination of the effects of MS treatments on erythrocytes.

Main Results:

• Erythrocytes may contribute to MS pathology via reduced antioxidant capacity.
• Altered haemorheological features of erythrocytes are implicated in MS.
• Disease-modifying therapies may impact erythrocyte function.

Conclusions:

• Erythrocytes represent a potential, understudied factor in MS pathogenesis.
• Investigating erythrocytes could offer novel insights into MS mechanisms.
• Targeting erythrocytes may lead to innovative therapeutic strategies for MS.