Neuroinflammation responses and neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis

Diffuse neurodegeneration is now considered to be the main cause of irreversible neurological disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Demonstration of a diffuse inflammatory reaction in the MS brain led to the assumption that diffuse neuroinflammation induces diffuse neurodegeneration. Macrophages/microglia accumulate throughout the MS brain and are, therefore, considered the main culprits implicated in the development of neurodegeneration. However, recent advances in the understanding of macrophage/microglia functions and origins have now challenged that view. This report is a summary of these advances, and discusses their contribution to the perception of macrophage/microglia functions in MS-associated neurodegeneration. (C) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.