Immunology of MS

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease affecting central nervous system myelin. Myelin antigen specific auto-reactive cells are activated in the periphery then migrate to the central nervous system where they initiate an inflammatory response. The demyelinating process in multiple sclerosis (MS) involves T-cells, immunoglobulins and complement. Remyelination occurs to some extent but several factors contribute to the failure of remyelination. Understanding the immunopathogenesis of MS helps in designing new therapies and in understanding the mechanisms and potential side effects of existing drugs. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease affecting central nervous system myelin. Myelin antigen specific auto-reactive cells are activated in the periphery then migrate to the central nervous system where they initiate an inflammatory response. The demyelinating process in multiple sclerosis (MS) involves T-cells, immunoglobulins and complement. Remyelination occurs to some extent but several factors contribute to the failure of remyelination. Understanding the immunopathogenesis of MS helps in designing new therapies and in understanding the mechanisms and potential side effects of existing drugs.