TARGETING OLIGODENDROCYTE PROTECTION AND REMYELINATION IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease affecting the brain and spinal cord, leading to neurological deficits. Current treatments primarily target the immune system to reduce lesion formation and clinical exacerbation. However, these treatments are only partially effective in preventing disability. Approaches that directly protect myelin-producing oligodendrocytes and enhance remyelination may improve long-term outcomes. Research is now intensely focused on identifying neuroprotective agents that can promote oligodendrocyte survival and myelin repair, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for MS.

• 1
  Neurotrophins, such as NGF and NT-3, can influence myelination, with NGF affecting neurons and NT-3 having potent glial effects.
• 2
  IGF-1 promotes oligodendrocyte survival and differentiation, reducing demyelination in animal models of MS, but clinical trials have been unsuccessful.
• 3
  Signaling by CNTF and LIF has neuroprotective and pro-regenerative effects in animal models of demyelinating disease, but clinical trials with CNTF have been disappointing.