The mechanism of action of glatiramer acetate treatment in multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
Glatiramer acetate (formerly known as copolymer 1) is the major noninterferon immunomodulatory agent used in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Its mechanism of action over the past 40 years has evolved with our understanding of the immune response.


METHODS
We review the various mechanisms that have been proposed for this random polymer over the years, with emphasis on recent methods that utilize modern immunologic techniques.


RESULTS
Studies describing processes such as immune deviation and effects on regulatory T cells and antigen-presenting cells are presented.


CONCLUSIONS
Effects of glatiramer acetate on the immune response have evolved as our technical abilities and knowledge of the immune response itself have developed.
Racke
Michael K
MK
The Helen C. Kurtz Chair in Neurology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210-1228, USA. michael.racke@osumc.edu
Lovett-Racke
Amy E
AE
Karandikar
Nitin J
NJ
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000276:immunology; D018448:Models, Immunological; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D010455:Peptides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D016207:Cytokines; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D010455:Peptides; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate