The role of CD4+ T-cells in the development of MS

OBJECTIVE: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive central nervous system (CNS) disease with unknown cause. Considerable evidence supports an autoimmune origin with an important role for cellular immune responses in its pathogenesis. METHODS: We have reviewed the current literature dealing with lymphocyte responses and their interactions as it relates to MS and present supporting evidence from animal models. RESULTS: Issues regarding CD4+ T-cell subpopulations, their functional differentiation and regulatory interactions as they relate to their presumed role in MS-related pathology have been updated with references to the current literature. DISCUSSION: The evidence reviewed supports an important role of CD4+ T-cells in the immunopathogenesis of MS. The successful outcome of blocking CD4 cells entry into the CNS of animals with experimental demyelinating disease and humans with MS is a strong support for other evidence of an important role of these cell populations in the pathogenesis of MS. The understanding of the specific roles of CD4+ T-cells in the development of MS is crucial for better disease management and the prevention of neurological disability.