Acta neuropathologica: new research reveals the "cell" threat of multiple sclerosis

October 9, 2019 / biourn / -- a new study from the University of Virginia School of medicine reveals key factors in the development of multiple sclerosis This finding provides a new way to design treatment for multiple sclerosis In this study, scientists speculate that cells called oligodendrocyte progenitors contribute to the development of multiple sclerosis These glial cells account for about 5% of the total cells in the brain and spinal cord They can produce myelin cells through differentiation (myelin cells can secrete myelin, which plays an insulating role in nerve cells) In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks myelin, leading to the gradual loss of function of the nervous system The disease affects more than 2 million people worldwide (multiple sclerosis is the most common nervous system disease in young people, and the age of diagnosis is usually between 20 and 50 years old.) (image source: www Pixabay Com) previous studies suggested that these progenitor cells could not effectively differentiate into myelin cells in patients with multiple sclerosis However, Dr Alban Gaultier of UVA and his team found that these progenitors were also "actively involved" in the immune system's attack on myelin "This cell has a regulatory role in the inflammatory environment," said Dr Anthony fern á ndez Casta ñ EDA Based on this latest discovery, doctors can control the inflammatory environment inside the brain to avoid neurodegeneration and promote brain repair In fact, laboratory studies have shown that blocking the action of progenitor cells can reduce the degree of inflammation and help the recovery of myelin "In multiple sclerosis, we have many ways to regulate immune attack, but in fact we don't have a way to promote brain repair," explains Gaultier of UVA's Department of neuroscience and its brain immunology and glioma Center (big) However, considering that these progenitors play a variety of roles in the brain, we need to develop a more refined method instead of just shutting down or directly deleting their activities Source of information: Insurance contributor to multiple screrosis source: Anthony fern á ndez Casta ñ EDA, Megan S Chappell, Dorian a Rosen, Scott M Seki, Rebecca M Beiter, David M Johanson, Delaney liskey, Emily Farber, Suna onengut gumuscu, Christopher C overall, Jeffrey L Dupree, Alban Gaultier The active contribution of OPCs to neuroinflammation is mediated by LRP1 Acta Neuropathologica, 2019; DOI: 10.1007/s00401-019-02073-1