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Multiple approaches to multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis results from the failure of several different regulatory mechanisms designed to protect against autoimmunity, suggesting multiple targets for therapeutic intervention. Three papers in this issue suggest that if tolerance to components of the nervous system is not maintained in the thymus and autoimmunity ensues, the extent of brain damage can be checked by blockade of glutamate receptors on neurons and oligodendrocytes (56–70).

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Figure 1: Possible role of AMPA/kainate receptors on neurons and glia.

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Steinman, L. Multiple approaches to multiple sclerosis. Nat Med 6, 15–16 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/71466

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