Biotechnological agents for the immunotherapy of multiple sclerosis - Principles, problems and perspectives

Based on exciting results in animal models, a number of novel immunotherapies employing biotechnological products, rather than conventional immunosuppressants, are being developed for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The first part of this article is a review of some fundamental concepts of immunology and offers a hypothetical scenario for the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. The second part provides a critical overview of various immunotherapies relying on modem biotechnology. For each approach, the underlying immunological principles, experimental and clinical evidence, and foreseeable problems are separately addressed. Thus, it is hoped that this article serves a dual purpose, namely to provide an update on recent advances in immunology, and to serve as a useful source of reference to immunotherapies holding promise for future treatment of multiple sclerosis.