Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system, in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath nerve covering. The myelin sheath covering protects and insulates neurons, allowing an electrical signal to efficiently propagate down the axon and signal to the next neuron. In MS, the degraded myelin causes communication problems between the brain and the body, as signals can no longer be effectively sent, since electrical signals in neurons are able to dissipate. The disease can cause permanent damage to nerves in the body. The symptoms vary, and depend on the amount of damage to the nerves. Some MS patients cannot walk, while others may have remission periods without new symptoms at all. How does MS relate to immunology? MS is relevant to immunology because it is caused by a maladaptive immune response in the central nervous system. By understanding the immunology behind this disorder, effective treatments can be developed.
By: Lourdes Kaufman