General Principles of Immunotherapy in Neurological Diseases

Abstract

Immunotherapy has changed the prognosis and outcome of many neuroimmunological diseases. In neurology, Immunotherapy aims to suppress or modulate the immune system. Due to the heterogeneity of immunological diseases, not all of the therapeutics are equally suited for different disorders. Thus, it is of importance to understand the pathophysiological and immunological background of the underlying disease as well as the mode of action of the various therapeutic agents. The aim of this chapter is to give an overview on the fundamental principles of the immune system. Selected diseases are presented to show the variety of the respective pathophysiological concepts. The last part describes the immunotherapies that are frequently used in neuroimmunological diseases with the mode of action and effects on the immune system. This chapter is addressed to clinicians who treat neuroimmunological disorders and shall facilitate the decision to find the right drug for the right patient.