Emerging monoclonal antibody therapies for multiple sclerosis

Background: Monoclonal antibodies constitute a relatively new class of therapeutic agent designed to interact with specific target antigens. Monoclonal antibodies can be created to deplete cell lineages or antagonize receptors for which small molecule drugs are not available. Because of their accessibility, proteins expressed on the surface of immune system cell lineages are appealing targets for monoclonal antibody therapies. Review Summary: To review monoclonal antibodies currently under investigation for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). This was a review of the literature and ongoing clinical trials. Alemtuzumab, daclizumab, rituximab, and natalizumab are monoclonal antibodies at different stages of clinical development that show promise as MS disease modifying therapies. Conclusions: Several monoclonal antibodies directed against antigens present on the cell surface of immune system cell lines are promising candidates for immune suppression therapies in MS. Because these drugs are still in development, their clinical benefits and safety profiles are not fully established. Nevertheless, it seems possible that their specificity will offer advantages over broad-spectrum immune suppressing therapies.