Neuroimmunological diseases: update

During the past 10 to 20 years, disease modifying drugs have been introduced into clinical practice relating to neuroimmunological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Based on the mechanism of each disease, therapies are currently being developed that target crucial molecules involved in the disease process. Monoclonal antibodies, such as natalizumab against VLA-4 and alemtuzumab against CD52 antibody, have been found to be very effective for reducing relapse rates and for preventing disease progression in multiple sclerosis. However, molecular-targeted therapy may disrupt the immune balance of patients and unexpectedly induce other autoimmune diseases or opportunistic infections. Therefore, to overcome intractable neuroimmunological diseases utilizing molecular-targeted therapies, future research needs deeper insights into the mechanism of each disease along with close observations of clinical courses.