In a small phase 1 study, a new immunotherapy that targets cells infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) managed to stop the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). That's not all, there's something even more surprising. In some patients the therapy even managed to achieve remission of symptoms, although this does not appear to be fully confirmed in the presentation of the most recent results. I am attaching a PDF document, the report was published in IFL Science.
Big Hunt for Multiple Sclerosis
In recent months, the many researches linked to this disease have led to a turning point. In several studies, a correlation has now clearly emerged between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and the possible development of multiple sclerosis.
Atara Biotherapeutics has tried to transform these findings into a therapeutic approach to improve the treatment of the disease. And he developed an immunotherapy based on T cells and call ATA188.
How does immunotherapy against multiple sclerosis work?
The idea is simple. When cells infected with EBV display small proteins on their surface known as antigens, immunotherapy provides and strengthens immune cells that target and destroy them.
In a study on 24 patients who have received therapy, 20 found improvement or stopping of symptoms. Still, no fatal or serious adverse effects have been reported.
Some early brain scans show that the therapy may even have “remyelinated” nerve cells, which could indicate a reversal of the damage caused by multiple sclerosis in the nervous system. As mentioned, however, further confirmation of this hypothesis is needed.
Again, it must be said: the results are extremely promising. However, this is an initial Phase 1 study with a fairly small sample (24 patients) and no placebo or control group. It should be taken with a grain of salt.
Of course, it must be said that it is unlikely that this repair will occur naturally, so there is excellent hope that the therapy will really have important effects, and we will know more in the next phases of the study.
