Microarray analysis of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions obtained at autopsy revealed
increased transcripts of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines, particularly interleukin-6
and-17, interferon-γ and associated downstream pathways. Comparison of two poles of MS
pathology—acute lesions with inflammation versus' silent'lesions without inflammation—
revealed differentially transcribed genes. Some products of these genes were chosen as
targets for therapy of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice …

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease affecting central nervous system white
matter. The cause is unknown. It is thought that environmental factors trigger an immune
response against myelin antigens in a genetically susceptible individual. The characteristic
lesion of MS seen in the brain is a plaque, an area of inflammation, demyelination and glial
reaction or 'sclerosis'. Several recent studies have examined gene expression in MS
plaques on a large scale using microarray technology. The involvement of immune-related …