The role of macrophages in the development of neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system with an autoimmune mechanism of development. It is known that along with T- and B-lymphocytes, cells of the innate immune system also play a significant role in the pathogenesis of MS. Macrophages are central to the functioning of the innate immune response and, depending on the phenotype, have pro-and anti-inflammatory properties. In the central nervous system, resident macrophages form microglia capable of presenting antigens and producing cytokines and, depending on phenotype, may participate in the development of autoimmune inflammation or maintaining immunological tolerance. The brief report presents data on the participation of macrophages in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and MS. In addition, current methods of modulation of macrophage functions for the treatment of MS are discussed.