Which cytokine has been most implicated in the pathogenesis of MS?

Interleukin-17 (IL-17) has been most implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) due to its central role in mediating autoimmune inflammatory responses. IL-17 is produced predominantly by a subset of T helper cells known as Th17 cells, which are critical in the development of various autoimmune diseases, including MS.

In the context of MS, elevated levels of IL-17 have been observed in the central nervous system and in peripheral blood of patients with the disease. This cytokine is associated with the recruitment and activation of immune cells, which contribute to the demyelination and neuroinflammation characteristic of MS. The presence of IL-17 can lead to the disruption of the blood-brain barrier and facilitate the infiltration of additional inflammatory cells into the central nervous system, exacerbating the disease process.

Moreover, research has indicated that IL-17 may not only be involved in the initial inflammatory phase of MS but could also play a role in chronic inflammation and tissue damage. This makes IL-17 a critical target for research and therapeutic strategies in managing MS, further solidifying its implication in the disease's pathogenesis.

Understanding the role of cytokines like IL-17 in MS helps in developing targeted treatments aimed at