Review
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World J Exp Med. Aug 20, 2014; 4(3): 27-37
Published online Aug 20, 2014. doi: 10.5493/wjem.v4.i3.27
Multiple sclerosis and the role of immune cells
Rune A Høglund, Azzam A Maghazachi
Rune A Høglund, Azzam A Maghazachi, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo N-0317, Norway
Author contributions: All authors contributed to the paper.
Supported by University of Oslo, Biogen-Idec Global, Inc., and Teva Norway, AS
Correspondence to: Dr. Azzam A Maghazachi, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1072 Blindern, N-0317 Oslo, Norway. azzam.maghazachi@medisin.uio.no
Telephone: +47-97-147592 Fax: +47-97-147592
Received: May 13, 2014
Revised: May 29, 2014
Accepted: July 17, 2014
Published online: August 20, 2014
Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease with many different immune cells involved in its pathogenesis, and in particular T cells as the most recognized cell type. Recently, the innate immune system has also been researched for its effect on the disease. Hence, cells of the immune system play vital roles in either ameliorating or exacerbating the disease. The genetic and environmental factors, as well as the etiology and pathogenesis are of utmost importance for the development of MS. An insight into the roles play by T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells in MS and the animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, will be presented. Understanding the mechanisms of action for current therapeutic modalities should help developing new therapeutic tools to treat this disease and other autoimmune diseases.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, Chemokines, Chemokine receptors, Glatiramer acetate, Central nervous system, T cells, B cells, Natural killer cells, Dendritic cells

Core tip: The role played by various immune cells in either ameliorating or exacerbating multiple sclerosis is discussed.