Biotherapies in multiple sclerosis: a step toward remyelination and neuroprotection?

Rev Neurol (Paris). 2014 Dec;170(12):770-8. doi: 10.1016/j.neurol.2014.10.004. Epub 2014 Nov 6.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by CNS-restricted inflammation with subsequent demyelination and neurodegeneration. Current disease-modifying therapies efficiently reduce relapse rate and new lesions appearance, but still fail to impact the progressive course of the disease. There is a great need for the avenue of new therapies aimed at promoting myelin repair or reducing neurodegeneration that should result in the prevention of neurological disability in this chronic disease. This review will focus on the potentials and limitations of biotherapies that are currently developed for the promotion of CNS repair in MS, either monoclonal antibodies targeting axonal growth and remyelination, or cell therapies aimed at replacing the depleted myelinating cells within the CNS. As other researches aimed at promoting neuroprotection or remyelination are following a classical pharmacological approach, they will not be described in this review, which will focus on antibody-based therapies and cell therapies.

Keywords: La remyélinisation; Les cellules souches; Lingo1; Multiple sclerosis; Nogo; Remyelination; Sclérose en plaques; Stem cells; Transplantation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Biological Therapy / methods*
  • Demyelinating Diseases / therapy
  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis / therapy*
  • Myelin Sheath / physiology*
  • Nerve Regeneration / physiology*
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Neuroprotective Agents