Immunologic aspects of multiple sclerosis

Mt Sinai J Med. 2011 Mar-Apr;78(2):207-20. doi: 10.1002/msj.20249.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory and degenerative disease of the central nervous system characterized by demyelination and axonal loss. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the risk of immune dysregulation in multiple sclerosis. The review focuses on the immunopathogenic role played by various lymphocyte subsets and their cytokine products in the onset and disease progression, and the role of regulatory immune cells in disease remission. The mechanism of action of approved and experimental therapies, and how these mechanisms support the immunopathogenesis paradigm, is also reviewed.

MeSH terms

  • Axons / immunology
  • Axons / pathology
  • Disease Progression
  • Environment
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Immunity* / drug effects
  • Immunity* / genetics
  • Immunologic Factors* / immunology
  • Immunologic Factors* / therapeutic use
  • Inflammation* / immunology
  • Inflammation* / physiopathology
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / drug therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / genetics
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / immunology
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / pathology
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / physiopathology
  • Myelin Sheath / immunology
  • Myelin Sheath / pathology
  • Nerve Degeneration / genetics
  • Nerve Degeneration / immunology
  • Nerve Degeneration / pathology
  • Nerve Degeneration / physiopathology
  • Therapies, Investigational

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors