[Monoclonal antibodies in multiple sclerosis]

Med Sci (Paris). 2009 Dec;25(12):1113-5. doi: 10.1051/medsci/200925121113.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is the main source of significant disability in young adults and is associated with inflammation, demyelinisation and neurodegeneration. Several trials in the past ten years have tested b interfons and other immunomodulators, with some success. Recently, Natalizumab (Tysabri), a monoclonal antibody which targets the a4-integrin expressed by immune effectors, thus preventing their migration from the circulation into the brain tissue, has demonstrated previously unseen efficacy in preventing relapses and disease progression in patients with remitting multiple sclerosis. However, this enthusiasm has been tempered by observed cases of opportunistic infection and especially progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy, which led to its restricted use to a precise subgroup of patients. This example underlines the difficult evaluation of the benefit/risk ratio experienced by the pratician with these new and often very efficient innovative therapeutics.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Integrin alpha4beta1 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Integrin alpha4beta1 / immunology
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / epidemiology
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / etiology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Natalizumab
  • Opportunistic Infections / epidemiology
  • Opportunistic Infections / etiology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Integrin alpha4beta1
  • Natalizumab