Defining a role for laquinimod in multiple sclerosis.

ABSTRACT: Multiple sclerosis (MS), an inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system, is considered to exhibit an important neurodegenerative component as well. Laquinimod is an orally administered quinoline-3-carboxamide under development for the treatment of MS. In vitro and animal studies have revealed various mechanisms by which laquinimod may exert its effects on the immune and nervous systems. These include effects on the innate immune system that promote the differentiation of anti-inflammatory/regulatory T cells, the activation of microglia cells, an increase in the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, as well as the prevention of inflammation-induced excitotoxicity. Two phase III studies revealed the clinical benefits of laquinimod in patients with relapsing-remitting

SUBMITTER: Kieseier BC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4082303 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature