Targeting dendritic cells to treat multiple sclerosis

Nat Rev Neurol. 2010 Sep;6(9):499-507. doi: 10.1038/nrneurol.2010.112. Epub 2010 Aug 17.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered to be a predominantly T-cell-mediated disease, and emerging evidence indicates that dendritic cells have a critical role in the initiation and progression of this debilitating condition. Dendritic cells are specialized antigen-presenting cells that can prime naive T cells and modulate adaptive immune responses. Their powerful biological functions indicate that these cells can be exploited by immunotherapeutic approaches. Therapies that inhibit the immunogenic actions of dendritic cells through the blockade of proinflammatory cytokine production and T cell co-stimulatory pathways are currently being pursued. Furthermore, novel strategies that can regulate dendritic cell development and differentiation and harness the tolerogenic capacity of these cells are also being developed. Here, we evaluate the prospects of these future therapeutic strategies, which focus on dendritic cells and dendritic cell-related targets to treat MS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology
  • Cytokines / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells / metabolism
  • Dendritic Cells / pathology*
  • Drug Delivery Systems* / methods
  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Cytokines