Understanding the role of natural killer cell receptors and their human leukocyte antigen ligands in multiple sclerosis.

摘要

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex, multifactorial autoimmune disease causing tissue injury of the central nervous system. Although the etiology of MS is unknown, a genetic-environmental interaction is believed to negatively influence immunoregulation, which results in destruction of myelin and/or oligodendrocytes. Although the precise role of innate immunity in the pathogenesis of MS is unclear, several lines of evidence suggest that natural killer (NK) cells might contribute to susceptibility and/or protection from disease or disease progression. NK cells are highly versatile, critical regulators of innate and adaptive immunity.