A clear look at the neuroimmunology of multiple sclerosis and beyond

Abstract

The term neuroimmunology was first coined to refer to a generic involvement of the immune system in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases, particularly of the central nervous system. Since then, the neuroimmunology spectrum has steadily grown and currently spans from classical autoimmune diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems to previously unsuspected conditions such as autism spectrum disorders or chronic fatigue syndrome. Multiple sclerosis remains the predominant entity in terms of research efforts and social pressure as well as a good model of organ-specific autoimmune disease with limited therapeutic options. While the fast-pace genome-wide association studies reported a number of genes to be significantly associated with multiple sclerosis, these currently explain only a minor part of disease susceptibility. Further, clinicians are continuously challenged with the clinical classifications of immune-mediated or autoimmune central and peripheral conditions and with other pragmatic questions such as the roles of vaccination and physical therapy. For these reasons the present collection of Autoimmunity Reviews is timely as it will address these major issues related to neuroimmunology.