Researchers Report Findings on Antibody
That Stimulates Myelin Repair
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Medical Update Memo
November 6, 2007
Summary
Researchers funded in part by the National
MS Society report that an antibody can stimulate
repair of myelin in mice with MS-like disease.
Myelin is the insulating coating on nerve
fibres that is attacked and damaged during
the course of MS. They also report that the
antibody, called rHIgM22, remains effective
in mice when combined with methylprednisolone,
a corticosteroid used to treat relapses in
people with MS. Moses Rodriguez, MD, and
Art Warrington, PhD (Mayo Clinic and Foundation,
Rochester, MN) presented their findings at
the annual meeting of the American Neurological
Association in Washington, DC, this week
(Abstract #T-109).
Details
Although the body naturally repairs some
damage to myelin that occurs in MS, this
repair is
insufficient. One strategy under study encourages
internal "repair" capabilities by
immune-system proteins called antibodies. Dr.
Rodriguez and colleagues have identified human
antibodies that target and attach to cells
in the brain and spinal cord that make myelin
(oligodendrocytes), and have found a way to
produce these antibodies in the lab. With funding
from National MS Society research grants, including
a Collaborative MS Research Center Award, Dr.
Rodriguez assembled a team of investigators
to explore this therapeutic opportunity further.
The Mayo team tested the repair strategy
in a mouse model with chronic, progressive
disease
similar to MS. The mice received a single
dose of different amounts of the antibody.
Myelin
repair occurred at a low dose (23 mcg) and
stabilized after five weeks. When combined
with daily methylprednisolone, which is used
to treat MS attacks in people, the antibody
still promoted repair and the mice did not
worsen.
Although these findings warrant confirmation
in further animal and human studies, the
results take us one step further in efforts
to stimulate
myelin repair in people with MS.
Adapted from the National MS Society
ASK Information System Code: 2.4.7e
Disponible en français.
Disclaimer
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is an independent, voluntary health agency and does not approve, endorse or recommend any specific product or therapy,
but provides information to assist individuals in making their own decisions.
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