Recent Advances in Understanding and Treating Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

MS, often known as multiple sclerosis, is a chronic autoimmune illness that is characterised by inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration in the central nervous system (CNS). This review provides a comprehensive summary of current achievements in multiple sclerosis (MS) research, focusing on substantial advancements in understanding the biology of the disease, improving diagnostic tools, and developing a variety of treatment strategies. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is characterised by an attack by the immune system on myelin, which is the protective sheath that surrounds nerve fibres. This attack results in a wide variety of neurological symptoms. Genetic factors, such as polymorphisms in the HLA-DRB1 gene, as well as environmental variables, such as a lack of vitamin D and viral infections, have been identified as contributors to disease susceptibility. However, the exact cause of multiple sclerosis (MS) is still unknown. Among the advancements in diagnostics are the utilisation of more sophisticated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques and the investigation of novel biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and clinical blood. Beyond the standard disease-modifying treatments (DMTs), there are now additional treatment alternatives available, which include more recent medications that have mechanisms of action that are more specifically targeted. Treatments that are only coming into existence, such as monoclonal antibodies and cell-based therapies, provide the possibility of progress in the management of diseases. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of the most important discoveries, identify trends in research, and explore the significance of current developments for MS care as well as future research directions.