Targeting neuroinflammation is becoming an important way to treat Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Neuroinflammation is when the immune system gets too active and starts attacking the protective covering around nerves, called myelin, in the central nervous system (CNS). This process can cause problems for people living with MS.

Here are some key facts about MS and neuroinflammation:

• About 85% of people with MS start with a type of the disease called relapsing MS, which is caused by substances in the body called inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β and TNF-α.
• Research shows that higher levels of inflammation in the brain can be linked to how fast the disease gets worse. For example, a study in 2019 found that people with more brain lesions from inflammation were 56% more likely to have increased disability.

Doctors are exploring different ways to address neuroinflammation, including:

1. Monoclonal Antibodies: For example, Natalizumab helps stop inflammatory cells from moving to where they cause damage. It can reduce relapse rates by up to 68%.

2. Immunomodulators: One example is Dimethyl Fumarate, which can help cut down the number of relapses by about 50-54%.

In summary, focusing on neuroinflammation could be a promising way to manage MS and potentially change how the disease progresses.