ECTRIMS 2021 | The role of autoantigens in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis

Olivia Thomas, PhD, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden, discusses the role of autoantigens in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. Data from assessments of the autoantigen repertoire in patients with MS is inconsistent between groups and much of information available comes from studies in rodents, which may not be completely representative of human disease. Dr Thomas explains that it is believed an array, rather than a single autoantigen, is responsible for the development of MS. The heterogeneity of autoreactive T-cell responses among patients is also discussed, as well as other factors that make the identification of specific causative autoantigens difficult. This interview took place at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) congress 2021.