title: Therapeutic potential of LIF in multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) reduce the relapse rate but are unable to stop neurological decline. Here, we evaluate the potential of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) as a novel therapeutic in diseases with a neurodegenerative and inflammatory component, such as MS. LIF, which can be a proinflammatory cytokine, can also modulate the immune response in a beneficial way. Recent evidence demonstrates a crucial role of LIF in neuroprotection and axonal regeneration as well as the prevention of demyelination. Finally, LIF is an important survival factor for stem cells and neuronal precursors. Therefore, we propose that LIF is a potential therapeutic candidate for MS.
authors.affiliation: Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute and Transnationale Universiteit Limburg, School of Life Sciences, Diepenbeek, Belgium. leen.slaets@uhasselt.be
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Slaets
authors.forename: Jerome J A
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Hendriks
authors.forename: Piet
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stinissen
authors.forename: Trevor J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Kilpatrick
authors.forename: Niels
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hellings
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D003711:Demyelinating Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D053605:Leukemia Inhibitory Factor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D053605:Leukemia Inhibitory Factor