Early studies in mice on the immune messenger protein “LIF,” leukemia inhibitory factor, have recently been covered in the press as a possible cure for multiple sclerosis. This protein shows potential for both regulating the immune response that goes awry in MS, and stimulating the repair of damaged nerve-insulating myelin. In 2015, a team of researchers from the University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh and Yale University reported these findings, noting that by using an advanced system involving tiny “nanoparticles,” they could deliver LIF to immature myelin-making cells in mice, and promote their maturation and ability to form new myelin.
Further laboratory work on this approach is necessary before it can be tested in people. Clinical trials in people with MS are not scheduled to begin before 2020, according to LIFNano Therapeutics, a company established by the University of Cambridge researchers.
“I am encouraged by these results in early phase laboratory studies,” says Bruce Bebo, Phd, Executive Vice President of Research at the National MS Society. “We look forward to seeing further studies that establish LIF as a target for strategies that can safely repair nervous system damage in people with MS.”
Read the 2015 study from this team
The National MS Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS now—to move together toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. MS stops people from moving. We exist to make sure it doesn’t.
- We help each person address the challenges of living with MS through our 50-state network of chapters. The Society helps people affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and services that help people with MS and their families move their lives forward.
- We are moving research forward by relentlessly pursuing prevention, treatment and cure.
- We are moving to reach out and respond to individuals, families and communities living with multiple sclerosis.
- We are moving politicians and legislation to champion the needs of people with MS through activism, advocacy and influence.
- We are moving to mobilize the millions of people who want to do something about MS now.
Phone: 1-800-344-4867 — Website: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/
MS Unites has proudly been approved by The National Multiple Sclerosis Society to provide information, utilize content, videos and online materials produced by The US National Multiple Sclerosis Society as well as support initiatives and events.
