What is the main autoimmune response involved in Multiple Sclerosis?

The primary autoimmune response in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is characterized by an immune-mediated attack on myelin, which is the protective sheath that surrounds nerve fibers in the central nervous system (CNS). In MS, the body’s immune system mistakenly targets and damages this myelin, leading to communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. The destruction of myelin results in inflammation, scar tissue (sclerosis), and disruptions in nerve signal transmission, which are hallmark features of the disease.

This autoimmune response is integral to the pathophysiology of MS. The loss of myelin leads to a range of neurological symptoms and can cause progressive disability over time. Understanding this mechanism is essential for recognizing how MS affects patients and guiding treatment strategies aimed at modulating the immune response, repairing damage, or managing symptoms.

The other options relate to different autoimmune processes or conditions. The attack on insulin pertains to type 1 diabetes, Schwann cells are associated with peripheral nerves rather than the CNS affected in MS, and while neurons can be affected in the course of the disease, the primary target in MS is specifically the myelin sheath.