The scientists from the University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM) in Olsztyn are close to understanding how multiple sclerosis (MS) arises in humans. This opens the way to the development of an effective method of combating it. An article on this topic appeared in the American “Neurology Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation”.

The authors of the article are scientists from UWM: Prof. Krzysztof Selmaj, head of the Department of Neurology at the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Marcin Mycko and Dr Anna Żurawska with the participation of Prof. Raine from the USA and Igor Selmaj from the Neurology Center in Łódź.

So far, the causes of MS are not exactly known. Both genetic and environmental factors are believed to be responsible for this health disorder. B-lymphocytes, which are overactive and contribute to the development of characteristic changes in the brain and spinal cord and have recently been considered to play a key role in the development of this disease.

-We have shown that the 3 circular forms of RNA we had discovered can work by changing the function of B lymphocytes, i.e. those cells responsible for the occurrence of MS. Our research has identified the molecular cause of excessive B-cell activation in MS. This may be of paramount importance in the development of therapies that inhibit the functions of B lymphocytes and, consequently, multiple sclerosis – says Prof. Marcin Mycko.