Insights into the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis

Immunol Res. 2002;25(1):27-51. doi: 10.1385/IR:25:1:27.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Significant progress has been made in our understanding of the etiology of MS. MS is widely believed to be an autoimmune disease that results from aberrant immune responses to CNS antigens. T cells are considered to be crucial in orchestrating an immunopathological cascade that results in damage to the myelin sheath. This review summarizes the currently available data supporting the idea that myelin reactive T cells are actively involved in the immunopathogenesis of MS. Some of the therapeutic strategies for MS are discussed with a focus on immunotherapies that aim to specifically target the myelin reactive T cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoantigens
  • Autoimmunity
  • Central Nervous System / immunology
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / etiology
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / immunology
  • HLA-DR2 Antigen / genetics
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Models, Immunological
  • Multiple Sclerosis / etiology*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / therapy
  • Myelin Sheath / immunology
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • Autoantigens
  • Cytokines
  • HLA-DR2 Antigen
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell