Inhibiting Inflammation In Multiple Sclerosis

Many different types of T cells exist, each expressing a unique T cell receptor that helps the cell sense and react appropriately to its environment. J. Ludovic Croxford and colleagues show that a specific subset of T cells slows the onset and decreases the severity of a mouse version of human multiple sclerosis. The disease is worsened in the absence of these T cells, which block autoimmunity at least in part by triggering other immune cells to release chemical mediators that dampen the inflammatory response. Whether these T cells are involved in human autoimmune disease, and whether they can be harnessed for therapeutic intervention, remains to be determined.

Author contact:

Takashi Yamamura (National Institute of Neuroscience, Tokyo, Japan)
E-mail: yamamura@ncnp.go.jp

J. Ludovic Croxford (National Institute of Neuroscience, Tokyo, Japan)
E-mail: ludo_von_crox@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract available online.

(C) Nature Immunology press release.

Message posted by: Trevor M. D'Souza