Multiple sclerosis and immuno-modulators of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system with a very debilitating inflammatory component that usually affects young people (years 20-40). This disease is characterized by the progressive destruction of the myelin sheath of the axons by the cells of the immune system, which results in neuronal degeneration. The T and B lymphocytes are the main players in this disease, which can be remittent with relapses or progressive. Among the drugs used to treat MS is the immunosuppressor fingolimod, the targets of which are the sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors. This molecule acts orally by preventing lymphocytes from leaving the thymus and lymph nodes and from reaching inflammatory brain foci. Other immunosuppressive drugs affecting sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors are under development and an intense search for curative drugs and treatments is being conducted.