Osteopontin and multiple sclerosis: An update

Abstract

Osteopontin (OPN), which was originally identified as a bone matrix protein, is a pro-inflammatory cytokine implicated in autoimmune diseases, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Indeed, OPN is highly upregulated in EAE and MS lesions. Recent studies have shown that Th17 cell responses, which are involved in the pathogenesis of EAE and MS, are regulated by OPN. This review provides an overview of the current body of literature on the immunological functions of OPN and its role in EAE and MS. © 2011 Japanese Society for Neuroimmunology.