title: Current immune therapies of autoimmune disease of the nervous system with special emphasis to multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Autoimmune diseases of the nervous system such as myasthenia gravis, inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathies, multiple sclerosis and others are still not curable. Yet the introduction of modern immune therapies could significantly improve the prospects of many patients affected by these disorders. In addition to steroids and immunosuppression i.v. immunoglobulins are used for treatment of myasthenia gravis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Interferons, glatiramer acetate, natalizumab and fingolimod are applied in multiple sclerosis. The ever-improving efficacy of the drugs has to be balanced against the increasing risk of possible severe adverse effects.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Universität Wien, Klinik für Neurologie, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Wien, Austria. karl.vass@meduniwien.ac.at
authors.forename: Karl
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vass
mesh_terms: D020274:Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents