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Handbook of Neurochemistry and Molecular Neurobiology pp 593–602Cite as

Lipids in Multiple Sclerosis

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Abstract:

Increasing evidence suggests that lipids antigens may be target of autoimmune attacks in inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. Preliminary observations in multiple sclerosis and in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis indicate that both T cell and antibody reactivity to structural lipids of myelin may play a role in determining autoimmune-mediated demyelination. Molecular mimicry between bacterial and myelin glycolipids has been observed, and a subset of NKT cells specific for glycolipid antigens has been identified. Increased sulfatide-reactive T-cells and antibodies were demonstrated in multiple sclerosis patients. The possibility that myelin lipids may be targets for autoimmune reactions in central nervous system diseases opens new research and therapeutic perspectives for multiple sclerosis.

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Abbreviations

(APC):

antigen presenting cells

(EAE):

experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

(IFN):

interferon

(LPA):

lysophosphatidic acid

(MHC-I):

major histocompatibility complex class I

[MBP]:

myelin basic protein

[MOG]:

myelin oligodendrocyte protein

(NOD):

non-obese diabetic

(OPC):

oligodendrocyte progenitor cell

[PLP]:

proteolipid protein

(TCR):

T cell receptor

(TNF):

tumor necrosis factor

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Authors
  1. L. Rinaldi
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  2. F. Grassivaro
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  3. P. Gallo
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Neurochemistry, Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, 10962, Orangeburg, New York, USA

    Abel Lajtha (Director) (Director)

  2. Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Via Saldini 50, 20133, Milan, Italy

    Guido Tettamanti

  3. Department of Internal Medicine Section of Biochemistry, University of Perugia, via del Giochetto, 06122, Perugia, Italy

    Gianfrancesco Goracci

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Rinaldi, L., Grassivaro, F., Gallo, P. (2009). Lipids in Multiple Sclerosis. In: Lajtha, A., Tettamanti, G., Goracci, G. (eds) Handbook of Neurochemistry and Molecular Neurobiology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-30378-9_24

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