Sanvi Gupta

Review on the current gene therapies for MS

Started Dec. 27, 2023

Abstract or project description

The main process that drives the progression of Multiple Sclerosis is when the autoimmune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of the nerve fibers, myelin sheath, which results in inflammation. Demyelination is a key process in Multiple Sclerosis and substances like myelin basic proteins (MBP), proteolipid protein, and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) are thought to be the main targets of the autoimmune response. The exact cause of MS is unknown but it arises in genetically susceptible individuals, random events, and environmental factors. It’s also uncertain whether MS is triggered in the periphery or CNS. The two current hypotheses are that autoreactive T cells are activated at peripheral sites through molecular mimicry or bystander activation. They traffic to the central nervous system with activated B cells and monocytes. The other hypothesis is that the infiltration of autoreactive lymphocytes occurs as a secondary phenomenon to unknown viral infection in the CNS. This paper will discuss the pathophysiology of the major immune cells involved in MS and highlight current treatments under development for the subtypes of Multiple Sclerosis.