The role of inflammasomes in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered as an inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS), with a complex and heterogenic etiology. However, the involvement of inflammation in its pathophysiology is well documented and current therapies for MS are mainly immunosuppressive drugs. Although the available drugs reduce new lesions and relapses, their long-term outcome is not completely satisfactory. Inflammasomes are multimeric protein complexes that play a critical role in the inflammatory process. Several lines of evidence suggest an association between inflammasome activation and MS. In this paper, we have reviewed current studies that demonstrate the involvement of inflammasomes in MS development, in both animal model and MS patients. Furthermore, prior studies about the effect of inflammasome inhibitor drugs on development and progression of MS are discussed.