Advances in the understanding and treatment of multiple sclerosis: genetic and therapeutic perspectives

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by demyelination of axons of the central nervous system, neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Although there is no clear etiology, it is a multifactorial disease with a variety of clinical manifestations that can appear at any age, mainly from 20 to 40 years old and with a higher prevalence in women. Depending on the location and extent of the neural injury, MS can present varied physical symptoms, in addition to its psychological and social impact, and is classified into three main subtypes according to the characteristics of relapses, progression and evolution. Considering this diversity, the diagnosis is complex and involves factors such as clinical history, imaging exams and laboratory tests, following the McDonald criteria. Current therapies include drug and non-drug approaches, including drugs, monoclonal antibodies, application of virtual reality, among others that even present positive future perspectives. This integrative review aims to discuss the immunopathogenesis, classification, diagnosis, genetic factors and therapy of MS.