title: Nano- and micro-based systems for immunotolerance induction in multiple sclerosis.
abstract: It is estimated that more than 2.5 million individuals worldwide have multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is an autoimmune neurodegenerative disease resulting from the destruction of the myelin sheath that enwraps axons driven by an immune cell attack to the central nervous system. Current therapeutic programs for MS focus in immunosuppression and more recently in the use of immunomodulatory molecules. These therapeutic approaches provide significant improvements in the management of the disease, but are frequently associated with an increased susceptibility of opportunistic infection. In this commentary, we highlight the application of nano and micro-technologies as emerging and innovative solutions for MS therapy with the potential to restore immune homeostasis via antigen-specific interactions. Furthermore, we propose and discuss the usage of a minimally invasive approach, namely microneedle patches, as a new therapeutic route. Microneedle patches for the delivery of specific antigens to restore immunotolerance in the context of multiple sclerosis.
authors.affiliation: a International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory , Braga , Portugal.
authors.forename: Liliana R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Pires
authors.affiliation: b Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho , Braga , Portugal.|c ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga/Guimarães , Portugal.
authors.forename: Fernanda
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Marques
authors.affiliation: b Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho , Braga , Portugal.|c ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga/Guimarães , Portugal.
authors.forename: João Carlos
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Sousa
authors.affiliation: b Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho , Braga , Portugal.|c ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga/Guimarães , Portugal.
authors.forename: João
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cerqueira
authors.affiliation: a International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory , Braga , Portugal.
authors.forename: Inês Mendes
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Pinto
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors
keywords: immunomodulation; microneedles; multiple sclerosis; nanoparticles; tolerance