Antigen specific immunotherapy of multiple sclerosis

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.