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Open Access 01-07-2009 | Review

Is the risk of multiple sclerosis related to the ‘biography’ of the immune system?

Authors: Bernd Krone, Frank Oeffner, John M. Grange

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 7/2009

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) with onset in childhood offers a unique opportunity to study the infectious background of this disease but the immune reactions against infectious agents in such children have only recently been investigated. These and other epidemiological studies strongly implicate involvement of one or more infectious agents in the aetiology of MS, with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) being the prime candidate. Rather than being the actual cause of MS, it is more probable that these agents are involved in the development of immunoregulatory pathways. These pathways, if disturbed by hygiene-related factors including an altered sequence of infections, may generate and maintain a deficit within the immunological network that facilitates, to particular early events in the development of MS, preceding the onset of MS disease by years or a decade. A framework that can serve as a guide for further epidemiological, immunologic and molecular biologic investigations is formulated. This approach may shed light on the complex natural history of MS and may lead to rational preventive and therapeutic strategies. It is possible that, in the future, MS could be prevented by vaccination against EBV in early childhood; the framework is of relevance to the design of an appropriate type of vaccine.

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Title: Is the risk of multiple sclerosis related to the ‘biography’ of the immune system?
Authors: Bernd Krone
Frank Oeffner
John M. Grange
Publication date: 01-07-2009
Publisher: D. Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 7/2009
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-009-5068-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Is the risk of multiple sclerosis related to the ‘biography’ of the immune system?

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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Abstract

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