Researchers from Japan identify a new therapeutic target for chronic multiple sclerosis (MS) (IMAGE)

Kyushu University

Researchers from Japan identify a new therapeutic target for chronic multiple sclerosis (MS)

Caption

The astroglia (a class of neural cells) of patients with MS overproduce a channel protein known as connexin 43. This overproduction facilitates the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals that trigger a harmful immune response, ultimately causing damage to neurons. In this animal model study of MS, researchers observed that blocking this channel protein with an inhibitor called INI-0602 markedly improved MS symptoms, suggesting the potential of connexin 43 as a new therapeutic target for MS.   

Credit

Ryo Yamasaki, Kyushu University

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