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Free keywords:
MYELIN BASIC-PROTEIN; REGULATORY T-CELLS; SEGMENTED FILAMENTOUS
BACTERIA; MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS PATIENTS; PATHOGENIC T(H)17 CELLS;
CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM; COMMENSAL MICROBIOTA; B-CELLS; INTESTINAL
HOMEOSTASIS; DENDRITIC CELL
Abstract:
Converging evidence indicates that multiple sclerosis, an inflammatory dennyelinating disease of the central nervous system, is caused by brain-specific, self-reactive T lymphocytes. These are normal components embedded in the human immune system throughout healthy life. Only upon activation in the periphery, the T cells assume properties that enable them to breakthrough the vascular blood-brain barrier and to invade the brain white matter. While activation has been traditionally associated with microbial infections, recently, studies of animal models revealed a critical role of the commensal gut flora as a key triggering factor. These findings may pave the way to new strategies to treat MS and other human autoimmune diseases, and commend a reevaluation of dietary approaches.
