Anti-myelin T cells in multiple sclerosis: pathogenic role and therapeutic strategies

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is generally considered to be a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease, targeting components of the myelin sheaths in the central nervous system. Although there is evidence indicating that autoreactive T cells are the key players in the initiation of chronic inflammation, the exact mechanisms of the onset of disease are not completely understood. This study is aimed to further characterize the potentially pathogenic role of myelin reactive T cells in the disease process. We focused on T cell responses towards a minor component of the myelin that recently has been suggested to play a primary role in MS. Furthermore, a new protocol for T cell vaccination, in which these autoreactive T cells, isolated from CSF, are used as therapeutic targets, was optimized. To obtain information about feasibility, safety and immunological effects of the protocol, T cells from the CSF are used as vaccine cells in a pilot clinical trial involving 5 MS patients.