The development of antigen specific therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) inv
olves specifically suppressing undesired immune responses targeting the mye
lin sheath and underlying axon. We have recently reported some success with
altered peptide ligands for a major target of the autoimmune response in M
S. Antigen specific therapy has the potential to suppress undesirable autoi
mmunity, while leaving the rest of the immune system intact. Induction of a
n antigen specific Th1-to-Th2 shift could achieve this aim, once side effec
ts, such as allergic responses, are minimized with optimal dosing.