Multiple Sclerosis: Focus on Extracellular and Artificial Vesicles, Nanoparticles as Potential Therapeutic Approaches

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Aug 18;22(16):8866. doi: 10.3390/ijms22168866.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the Central Nervous System, characterized by an inflammatory process leading to the destruction of myelin with neuronal death and neurodegeneration. In MS, lymphocytes cross the blood-brain barrier, creating inflammatory demyelinated plaques located primarily in the white matter. MS potential treatments involve various mechanisms of action on immune cells, immunosuppression, inhibition of the passage through the blood-brain barrier, and immunotolerance. Bio-nanotechnology represents a promising approach to improve the treatment of autoimmune diseases by its ability to affect the immune responses. The use of nanotechnology has been actively investigated for the development of new MS therapies. In this review, we summarize the results of the studies on natural and artificial vesicles and nanoparticles, and take a look to the future clinical perspectives for their application in the MS therapy.

Keywords: drug delivery system; immunotolerance; inflammation; nanotechnology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / drug effects
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / metabolism*
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Extracellular Vesicles / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology*
  • Liposomes / administration & dosage*
  • Liposomes / chemistry
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / metabolism
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology
  • Nanoparticles / administration & dosage*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Liposomes