T helper-17 activation dominates the immunologic milieu of both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and progressive multiple sclerosis

MS (multiple sclerosis) and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) differ in important respects, but common pathogenic features seem to be shared in these two diseases. To shed light on such features, immunophenotypic and functional analysis were performed in peripheral monocytes and T lymphocytes of ALS and primary progressive (PP) MS patients and healthy controls (HC). Results showed that TH1-, TH17-, and IL-6-driven inflammation characterize both diseases; this is unsuccessfully hampered by TH2 activation and, possibly, BDNF secretion. Results herein clarify the pathogenic similarities between ALS and PP-MS and could be helpful for the design of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to ALS. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.