Which cells are primarily stimulated in the periphery during the early stages of MS?

In the early stages of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), TH1 cells, a subset of CD4+ T cells, play a significant role in the immune response. TH1 cells are primarily associated with pro-inflammatory responses and are known to produce cytokines such as interferon-gamma, which can activate macrophages and other immune cells. This process is critical in the pathophysiology of MS, as these activated cells migrate to the central nervous system, contributing to demyelination and neuroinflammation.

While CD4+ T cells encompass a broader category that includes various subsets, focusing specifically on TH1 cells highlights their importance in early MS pathology. B cells and macrophages also have roles in the disease, but the initial activation and stimulation of TH1 cells are key in driving the early immune response, leading to the cascade of events that contribute to MS progression.