Jitt # 15 Multiple Sclerosis

Question 1

What antigens in the myelin can cause MS?

Answer 1

myelin based protein (MBP); proteolipid protein (PLP) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG).

Question 2

Which HLA subclass is MS associated with?

Answer 2

HLA-DR2

Question 3

What are symptoms associated with MS?

Answer 3

Urinary incontinence, blindness, ataxia, muscle weakness, paralysis of the limbs. sclerotic plaques in brain;

Question 4

Which CD4+ subset is involved with MS?

Answer 4

Th1; MHC II; Th17 also plays a role

Question 5

a4B1 integrin

Answer 5

receptor for VCAM on the surface of a t cell; capable of binding to VCAM and entering the brain.

Question 6

Pathophysiology of MS

Answer 6

1) CNS antigens escape the brain, present to lymphoid organs 2) Th1 cells generated 3) travel and enter the brain by a1B4 - VCAM interactions 4) microglial cells (APCs in the CNS) present antigen to the T cells causing inflammation (IFNg release) . 5) Increases vascular permeability causing the leak of more macrophages and Th1 cells in the brain, which produce more inflammatory cytokines.

Question 7

Microglial cells

Answer 7

Macrophage like cells that are resident to the CNS.