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Scientists from Switzerland and Germany have identified a process that may be at the root of the autoimmune condition multiple sclerosis (MS). The findings are published in the scientific journal Nature.
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Source: BELGIAN
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Multiple sclerosis is an incurable, chronic disease of the central nervous system in which inflammation leads to damage to the nerves and their sheath (myelin). The exact causes are still unclear. Perhaps it is a collaboration between genetic factors and environmental factors.
Scientists from the University of Zurich, in collaboration with researchers from the University Hospital of Munich, have conducted a new study into the condition. They compared 61 twins who are genetically identical, but one person has MS. In this way, the genetic factors were excluded.
T-helpercellen
Using advanced techniques, the researchers were then able to identify a determinant that explains why the autoimmune disease shows up in one of the two people and not in the other. For example, the MS patient was found to have a higher level of certain cytokine receptors, which function as a means of communication within the immune system. At a higher level, the disease was also found to take more serious forms.
This increased sensitivity to certain cytokines leads to the production of “irregular” white blood cells called helper T cells, which are able to attack and cause damage to the nervous system. These helper T cells may be the “cellular big bang” of multiple sclerosis, says Burkhard Becher, an immunologist at the University of Zurich.
It was not possible to determine which environmental factors trigger this process. Still, the researchers say their findings represent “a big step forward” in understanding the disease. In addition, the identified T helper cells could eventually serve as an early indicator of the disease. The sooner MS is diagnosed, the better the disease can be treated.
Worldwide, about 2.5 million suffer from MS. Our country has approximately 12,000 people with multiple sclerosis.
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