Multiple Schlerosis Research Paper

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Multiple Sclerosis: The Role of Cytokines and Therapeutic Applications Abstract: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune neurological disease that debilitates an estimated 2.3 million people worldwide (“What is MS,” n.d.). With no identifiable cause and a cure yet to be discovered, emphasis must be placed on advancing treatments and therapies. Although its pathogenesis is not completely understood, researchers are well aware that the immune response during MS revolves around inflammatory mediators called cytokines. Over the last few decades, substantial progress has been achieved in MS research and knowledge of cytokines in MS has considerably increased, allowing for the development of numerous drugs, including the successful Glatiramer …show more content…

2007). However, in context to the body’s immune response, cytokines are inflammatory molecules that rush to the site of infection or injury with the goal of influencing the inflammation process (Yarlagadda et. al. 2009). During both the innate and adaptive immune responses of MS, the effector function of T cells is significantly altered, as both toll-like receptors and antigen presenting cells trigger T cells to differentiate into Th1, Th2, or Th17 phenotypes. When polarized to these phenotypes, the T cells begin to secrete the pleiotropic cytokines, thus making T cells the predominant producer of cytokines (Loma & Heyman, 2011). Cytokines can be categorized into two broad categories: proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory; many, however, evidently share properties from both groups. While proinflammatory cytokines, secreted by Th1 and Th17 cells, work to promote inflammation and “launch the immune response,” anti inflammatory cytokines, secreted by Th2 cells, work to counteract the proinflammatory response and “block or dampen the immune response.” (Yarlagadda et. al. 2009). Throughout the course of MS, both proinflammatory and anti inflammatory cytokine levels are upregulated; proinflammatory cytokine levels are greater during relapse and antiinflammatory cytokine levels are greater during remission (Martins et. al 2015) (Amedei et. al. 2012). Despite this knowledge however, it has been found that even proinflammatory cytokines hold protective properties, as inflammation is a protective mechanism (T. Makar, Interview, December 22, 2016). Therefore, both categories of cytokines are vital to the immune response. However, attempting to restore the balance between the two during a relapse may reduce the intensity and duration of the

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