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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that attacks and destroys the myelin sheath that insulates nerve cells. Current treatment involves modulating the activity of the immune system or preventing immune cells from accessing and damaging the central nervous system. These therapies are effective in the early stages of the disease, but they do not prevent its advance and badociated progressive functional deterioration.
During the progressive phase of the disease, microglial cells in the brain are the main cause of chronic inflammation responsible for neurological deterioration. These microglial cells are sentinels of the brain, reacting to damage or infection. This reaction, in principle beneficial, becomes harmful when it is prolonged over time, causing chronic inflammation, aggravating the disease and promoting its progression.
In the book that has just been published, it was possible to identify a receptor known as P2X4 present in microglial cells that increases their anti-inflammatory potential in order to reduce damage in multiple sclerosis and encourage the body's own repair responses. This experimental development was carried out using animal models of MS, through which it has been discovered that drugs that activate this receptor improve symptoms during the chronic phase of the disease by promoting the repair of nerve tissue.
Maria Domercq of the Department of Neuroscience of the UPV / EHU who works at the ACHUCARRO research center in Leioa (Basque Country) states: "We are witnessing a discovery that opens a new channel of pharmacological development for treatment of the progressive phase. We want to open a new path to improve the quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis. "
Learn more:
The process of cellular self-digestion triggers an autoimmune disease
More information:
Alazne Zabala et al, P2X4 receptor controls the activation of microglia and promotes remyelination in autoimmune encephalitis, EMBO Molecular Medicine (2018). DOI: 10.15252 / emmm.201708743
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