Current concepts of the cellular and molecular pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease. It poses many challenges both clinically and scientifically. Progress made in understanding the genetics, immunology, and neurobiology of MS to date has positioned the field for further breakthroughs both in understanding the etiology and pathogenesis as well as the development of rationally based therapeutics. This review will cover fundamental aspects of the clinical and pathologic features of MS. Identified genetic markers will be considered as well as the evolving understanding of immunologic and neurobiological aspects of the disease. The development of immune therapy based on this knowledge is already apparent and it is likely that neuroprotective therapies will evolve to complement immune modulation in treating the disease. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.