Aspetti biomolecolari della patogenesi della sclerosi multipla : ruolo delle citochine e chemochine

Biomolecular aspects of multiple sclerosis pathogenesis: role of cytokines and chemokines Multiple sclerosis is a central nervous system demyelinating disorder of autoimmune origin An important pathogenetic role is played by cytokines and chemokines, that are soluble mediators of the immune system activity Several studies on multiple sclerosis and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis have analysed the effects of these molecules, both in vitro, and in vivo These effects are schematically: systemic activation of immune system, and in particular of the monocytes and lymphocytes; modulation of the transmigration through the blood brain barrier; activation of the inflammation into the central nervous system white matter; chemotaxis of other immune cells; direct damage of myelin. Several recent scientific reports also identify an immune-downregulation by cytokines and chemokines and the possibility of a role also in the remyelination and axonal repair processes. The knowledge of these molecular pathogenetic mechanisms is primarily important in the modern management of multiple sclerosis patients, and allows the clinicians to better understand the role of new and emerging disease modifying drugs.