Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Both genetic and environmental factors are believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. Histopathological findings suggest that multiple sclerosis is an immune-mediated disease, involving both the cellular and humoral immune systems. Within the last 20 years, several disease-modifying therapies for the treatment of multiple sclerosis were established. Moreover, promising new substances are currently being tested in clinical trials and will likely broaden the therapeutic opportunities available within the upcoming years.
Keywords: disease-modifying therapy; immunopathogenesis; multiple sclerosis.