This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Admittedly I don't completely understand this article but I was originally dxed 2 years ago with Accute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis so it caught my eye.

Research from Cytos Biotechnology AG broadens understanding of encephalomyelitis vaccines
December 23rd, 2006

(NewsRx.com) -- Scientists discuss in "Vaccination against IL-17 suppresses autoimmune arthritis and encephalomyelitis" new findings in encephalomyelitis. "Interleukin 17 is a T cell-derived cytokine that induces the release of pro-inflammatory mediators in a wide range of cell types. Recently, a subset of IL-17-producing T helper cells (Th17) distinct from Th1 and Th2 cells has been described, which constitutes a new T cell polarization state," scientists writing in the European Journal of Immunology report.

"Aberrant Th17 responses and overexpression of IL-17 have been implicated in a number of autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Molecules blocking IL-17 such as IL-17-specific monoclonal antibodies have proved to be effective in ameliorating disease in animal models. Hitherto, active immunization targeting IL-17 is an untried approach. Herein we explore the potential of neutralizing IL-17 by active immunization using virus-like particles conjugated with recombinant IL-17 (IL-17-VLP). Immunization with IL-17-VLP induced high levels of anti-IL-17 antibodies thereby overcoming natural tolerance, even in the absence of added adjuvant. Mice immunized with IL-17-VLP had lower incidence of disease, slower progression to disease and reduced scores of disease severity in both collagen-induced arthritis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis," wrote T.A. Röhn and colleagues, Cytos Biotechnology AG.

The researchers concluded: "Active immunization against IL-17 therefore represents a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases."

Röhn and colleagues published their study in European Journal of Immunology (Vaccination against IL-17 suppresses autoimmune arthritis and encephalomyelitis. European Journal of Immunology, 2006;36(11):2857-67).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting T.A. Röhn, Cytos Biotechnology AG, Immunodrugs, Zurich, Switzerland.

The publisher of the European Journal of Immunology can be contacted at: Wiley-V C H Verlag GmbH, PO Box 10 11 61, D-69451 Weinheim, Germany.

Keywords: Switzerland, Zurich, Encephalomyelitis Vaccines, Arthritis, Autoimmune Disease, Autoimmune Disorder, Biotechnology Business, Biotechnology Company, Central Nervous System Disease, Cytos Biotechnology AG, Encephalomyelitis, Immunology.

This article was prepared by NewsRx editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, NewsRx.com.