Study finds molecular key to delay progression of multiple sclerosis

July 20, 2018

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that attacks and destroys a structure called "myelin sheath", the integrity of which is essential for the proper functioning of the brain and spinal cord.

. Multiple sclerosis is based on modulating the activity of the immune system or preventing access of its cells to the central nervous system and its damage. These therapies are effective in the early stages of the disease, but they do not prevent its advance and progressive functional deterioration.

During the progressive phase of the disease, it is the microglial cells in the brain that are the main cause of the disease. chronic inflammation responsible for neurological deterioration. These microglial cells are the sentinels of the brain and react to any damage or infection. This reaction, in principle beneficial, becomes detrimental when it is prolonged over time, causing chronic inflammation, aggravating the disease and promoting its progression.

In the work 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 to reduce damage in the multiple sclerosis and, most importantly, to encourage the body's own repair responses.

This experimental development was carried out using animal models of this disease, thanks to the fact that it was possible to discover that the drugs that activate this receptor improve the symptoms during the chronic phase of the disease by promoting the repair nervous tissue.

Like Dr. María Domercq of the Department of Neuroscience of the UPV / EHU and who works at the research center ACHUCARRO in Leioa (Basque Country), "we are witnessing a discovery that opens a new path of pharmacological development gical for the treatment of the progressive phase of multiple sclerosis, and with it we want to open a new door on improving the quality of life of people who suffer from multiple sclerosis. "