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Multiple sclerosis: immune mechanism and update on current therapies
S Bansil1, S D Cook, C Rohowsky-Kochan
1University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark 07103, USA.
Annals of Neurology
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory central nervous system disease. Evidence suggests an infectious trigger in genetically susceptible individuals, with immune system abnormalities playing a key role in disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Central Nervous System Disorders
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating CNS disease affecting 250,000 in the US.
- Clinical manifestations vary, from relapsing-remitting to chronic progressive disease.
- Chronic progressive MS can lead to severe mobility impairment, paralysis, vision loss, and bladder/bowel dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence linking immune system abnormalities to multiple sclerosis.
- To provide an update on current therapeutic modalities for MS.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing epidemiological, genetic, and immunological studies on MS.
- Analysis of evidence supporting infectious triggers and autoimmune responses.
- Evaluation of current immunosuppressive and immunomodulating treatments.
Main Results:
- Genetic factors, particularly HLA class II molecules (DR15, DQw6), influence MS susceptibility.
- Environmental factors and potential infectious agents are implicated.
- No confirmed viral presence in MS brain tissue despite elevated antibody titers.
- Current treatments aim to modulate the immune response but do not alter disease progression significantly.
Conclusions:
- MS is hypothesized to be an autoimmune disease triggered by an infectious agent in genetically susceptible individuals.
- Immune system abnormalities are strongly associated with the MS disease process.
- Further research is needed to identify the etiology and develop effective treatments.