Do you foresee the blood-brain barrier as a specific target for future MS therapies?
E.g., endothelial TRPV4 ion channels. A recent discovery in human MS brain samples puts the spotlight on the calcium-permeable TRPV4 ion channel, expressed in endothelia to function as a potential master regulator of the state of inflammation of the endothelial cell.
2 Answers
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Neurology · University of Ottawa
Answered on
Indeed, this is an area of intense research, but so far, data are only plentiful in animal (pre-clinical) models. ECTRIMS had a recent podcast on this issue which might be of interest. I think it is a bit premature to even speculate on where this will go in terms of therapy. Several agents were trie...
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Mednet Member
Neurology · Gottenberg University
Answered on
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of MS. The importance of the BBB has been highlighted by the effect of natalizumab on MS disease activity; the therapy consists of monoclonal antibodies against alpha-4 integrin that inhibit lymphocyte trafficking across the BBB ...
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