RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF ENCEPHALOMYELITIS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a form of chronic encephalomyelitis that re sults in demyelination of neuronal processes and subsequent neurologic al dysfunction. Demyelinated plaques are characterised by blood brain barrier compromise, infiltration of immune cells, and selective loss o f myelin and oligodendrocyte function. Although there are genetic and environmental factors, autoimmunity is considered to be central to the pathogenesis of MS. Experimental allergic/autoimmune encephalomyeliti s (EAE) is an excellent model of immune-mediated demyelination and has provided insight into the disease course of MS. Because EAE has a sim ilar pathophysiology it has also been used as a testing ground for pot ential therapies of MS. Recent treatment strategies include modulation of antigen levels, prevention of T cell activation or function, modul ation of cytokine activity, and promotion of oligodendrocyte regenerat ion and/or function. This review discusses the current experimental ag ents that have shown promise in the amelioration of EAE and/or MS.