[Pathogenesis and therapy of multiple sclerosis. The role of cytokines]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is probably caused by multiple factors, but there is evidence that an autoimmunological process is relevant for the pathogenesis. Cytokines can operate in different ways in MS and the animal model "experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). "Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), TNF-beta, interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-2 are important inflammation mediators within the MS plaque, whereas IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, transforming-growth-factor-beta (TGF-beta) and IL-10 exert mainly immunosuppressive functions. Application of these anti-inflammatory cytokines and the selective block of pro-inflammatory cytokines are promising new therapeutic strategies with fewer side effects than the commonly used cytostatic drugs.