Multiple sclerosis - novel insights and new therapeutic strategies

Purpose of review This review focuses on novel aspects of the pathogenesis and advances in the therapy of multiple sclerosis (MS). Recent findings Recent observations suggest that early lesion development in MS may start in some forms with oligodendrocyte death and that inflammation appears as a secondary phenomenon only. The lack of sufficient remyelination in MS may be the result of a disturbed function of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors. Clinically the identification of patients with a clinically isolated syndrome at high risk to develop clinically definite MS remains difficult; the predictive value of serum antibodies against myelin proteins remains controversial. The role of neutralizing antibodies in interferon therapy is discussed. New therapeutic approaches in MS are emerging. Summary The existing view on the pathogenesis of MS is still changing, The original assumption that cell-mediated demyelination is the key event in lesion development dictating clinical disability is critically reviewed and alternative pathways have been suggested. Oligodendrocyte death, axonal loss, the role of CD8(+) T lymphocytes, T regulatory cells, and B lymphocytes have come into the focus of newly evolving concepts in MS pathogenesis. A deepened understanding of the immunopathogenesis of this disease translates into innovative therapeutic approaches, such as blockade of alpha 4 integrins by a humanized monoclonal antibody. In various animal models cell-replacement strategies yield promising results; however, turning these findings into an effective therapy in MS patients has a long way to go.