Therapeutic strategies to prevent neurodegeneration and promote regeneration in multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated demyelinating and degenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS), with lesions predominantly occurring in the CNS white matter. The current treatment for MS relies on therapies that primarily target the peripheral immune response. However, it is clear that these strategies alone are insufficient for treating the chronic progressive disability that is the ultimate outcome of the disease. Axonal degeneration may be the primary determinant of fixed neurological deficits in MS. Here, we will discuss the contribution of axonal damage to MS pathogenesis, and potential cellular and molecular targets in the prevention of neurodegeneration. In addition, we will discuss potential molecular approaches to promote repair of CNS components in multiple sclerosis.
Chitnis
T
T
Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. tchitnis@rics.bwh.harvard.edu
Imitola
J
J
Khoury
S J
SJ
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control*