summary: MS is a chronic inflammatory-demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). It is believed that the presence of an increased inflammatory activity in the CNS plays an important role in contributing to tissue damage. Using an animal model of MS, the authors demonstrated that it is possible to induce a decrease in the inflammatory processes of the CNS by introducing 'new' genetic information in cells involved in immune processes, through the use of specific viruses capable of transferring genes to other cells. They have also shown that by reducing the inflammatory activity, the clinical outcome improved significantly. The findings of this study may help design new therapeutic approaches.

authors: van Strien ME, Mercier D, Drukarch B, Brevé JJ, Poole S, Binnekade R, Bol JG, Blits B, Verhaagen J, van Dam AM

source: Gene Ther. 2010 Feb 25

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