Multiple Sclerosis

Question 1

What is the characteristic autoantibody in MS?

Answer 1

Myelin basic protein

Question 2

What is the HLA allele in MS?

Answer 2

DR2

Question 3

What does lymphocytes target?

Answer 3

CNS dependent on alpha 4 integrin binding to VCAM-1 on the brain endothelium

Question 3

What cell types are found in MS inflammatory lesions ?

Answer 3

T cells (Th1 and Th17), B cells, NKTs and macrophages

Question 4

Where is MS more common to find

Answer 4

In women

Question 5

What happens when patients produce autoreactive CD4+ T cells?

Answer 5

Th17 is created and secretes IL-17

Question 6

What happens when IL-17 is secreted?

Answer 6

Recruits cells causing inflammatory foci along the myelin sheath in the brain and spinal cord

Question 7

What happens to the myelin sheath when cells are recruited along the myelin sheath?

Answer 7

Breakdown of myelin sheath

Question 8

What is the symptoms of MS?

Answer 8

Numbness, Paralysis, Loss of vision

Question 9

What are the factors of MS?

Answer 9

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Night shift
• Distance from equator
• Prior infection (e.g EBV)

Question 10

How can MS be treated?

Answer 10

• Vitamin D (promotes anti-inflammatory response)
• IFN-B
• Natalizumab
• Alemtuzumab (Depletes B and T cells via ADCC and complement by binding to CD52)