Transplanted immune cells show promise for multiple sclerosis

Michael Le Page

TRANSPLANTS of immune cells that target the Epstein-Barr virus have shown promise for treating multiple sclerosis in an early-stage trial. Brain scans suggest the progression of the condition was reversed in some participants, but this needs to be confirmed by larger trials. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is caused by someone’s own immune system attacking the myelin coating that helps nerve cells conduct signals, causing a range of symptoms from fatigue to difficulty walking. In most cases, people have relapses, suddenly getting worse but then gradually improving again. In around 1 in 10 people with MS, symptoms get progressively worse with no relapses. While treatments can slow the course of relapsing MS, there are few treatments for progressive MS. In an initial trial, US firm Atara Biotherapeutics gave 24 people with progressive MS injections of…

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New Scientist (Digital) - 1 Issue, 23-Apr-22

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