Multiple sclerosis: the recent progress of research and treatment

In this review, we summarized the recent progress of research and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The immunogenetic study including analyses of HLA polymorphism revealed that there are two distinct subtypes of MS: Asian-type and Western-type. Since MS is a polygenic disease, there must be several susceptible genes other than HLA. A large number of candidate genes are being searched and analyzed for polymorphism. Autoantigens responsible for MS are of great interest. Screening peptide library which bind to MS susceptible genes are expected to provide with new autoantigens. Advance in treatment is also remarkable. Since interferon (IFN)-beta 1b became available, great deal of data concerning IFN beta are accumulated. IFN beta not only reduced clinical exacerbation and MRI brain lesions but also slowed the development of brain atrophy. New treatments include altered peptide ligand therapy and oral tolerization with myelin antigens, which are on the clinical trial. Vaccination with myelin reactive T cells or T cell receptor peptide also attracts a great deal of attention.