Which type of immune cells are activated in the early pathologic process of MS?

In the early pathologic process of multiple sclerosis (MS), CD4+ T cells play a critical role. These cells are a subset of T lymphocytes and are crucial for orchestrating the immune response. In MS, it is observed that CD4+ T cells invade the central nervous system (CNS) and become activated against myelin antigens. This activation leads to a cascade of inflammatory processes that contribute to demyelination and neurodegeneration.

CD4+ T cells are particularly significant because they help regulate the immune response and can differentiate into various subsets, such as Th1 and Th17 cells, which are involved in the inflammatory response seen in MS. Their activation leads to the recruitment of additional immune cells, including other T cells, B cells, and macrophages, amplifying the inflammatory response that characterizes the disease.

Understanding the role of CD4+ T cells in the early stages of MS is essential for developing targeted therapies aimed at modulating the immune response in patients with the condition.