A small phase 1 study has developed a new immunotherapy targeting infected cells Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) managed to stop the progress of multiple sclerosis (MS). Not only that, there is more amazing thing. In some patients, therapy may also have been successful in achieving remission of symptoms, although this has not been fully confirmed in the most recent presentation of results. i’m hanging a pdf documentThe report was published in IFL Science.
Great Victim for Multiple Sclerosis
In recent months, the amount of research on this disease has taken a turning point. Several studies have established an association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and possible development from multiple sclerosis.
Atara Biotherapeutics has attempted to turn these findings into a therapeutic approach to improve the treatment of the disease. and they developed an immunotherapy based on T cells and call ATA188.
How does multiple sclerosis immunotherapy work?
The idea is simple. When EBV-infected cells contain small surface proteins known as antigens, immunotherapy powers and boosts immune cells, which attack and destroy them.
in a study to 24 patients who have received therapy 20 symptoms found to improve or eliminate, However, no fatal or serious side effects have been reported.
Some early brain scans suggest that the therapy may also contain ‘remyelinated’ nerve cells, suggesting a reversal of damage to the nervous system caused by multiple sclerosis. However, as already mentioned, this hypothesis needs further confirmation.
Must also say here: The results are extremely promising. However, this is the first phase 1 study with a relatively small sample (24 patients) and no placebo or control group. It should be taken with caution.
Of course, it must be said that this repair is not likely to occur naturally, so there are very good hopes that the therapy will indeed have significant effects and we will learn more in the next phases of the study.
