A little stress is good: IFN-gamma, demyelination, and multiple sclerosis.
The exact role(s) of the cytokine IFN-gamma in the demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis remain controversial, with evidence suggesting both detrimental and protective effects of the cytokine in MS and MS models such as EAE. The study by Lin and coworkers in this issue of the JCI produces evidence that protective effects of IFN-gamma on mature oligodendrocytes during EAE induction are mediated via activation of the pancreatic ER kinase (PERK), resulting in induction of the endoplasmic reticular stress response pathway (see the related article beginning on page 448). Modulation of this stress pathway has what we believe to be novel therapeutic potential for MS.
Lees
Jason R
JR
Department of Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, and Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
Cross
Anne H
AH
D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival; D003711:Demyelinating Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D008954:Models, Biological; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009836:Oligodendroglia / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*
D007371:Interferon-gamma