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A receptor-protein complex in the spinal cord could be a target for a new way of treating Multiple Sclerosis (MS), according to an article in Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology. The new biological target plays a role in neural activation through the neurotransmitter glutamate.

While the exact cause of MS is unknown, the body's immune response is involved, and is the target of all current medications used in treatment. These medications do not cure the illness, but they do slow the progression of the disease. Now. researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) identified a previously unknown change in the spinal cord related to MS that could be another kind of target for MS-medication. It involves a protein which attaches to a specific cell receptor for the glutamate neurotransmitter. This linked receptor-protein complex was present at higher levels in spinal cord tissues of deceased MS patients as well as in animal MS models. The researchers created a new peptide to try and disrupt this change in animal MS models.

According to Fang Liu, who led the research, the peptide disrupted the linkage and led to major improvements in neurological functioning. Motor function was significantly better and the survival of the myelin-producing cells was increased. Also, some common side effects for drugs targeting the glutamate system were not noticed. According to Liu, the priority now would be to extend the research and determine how this discovery can be translated into treatment for patients.

Sources: Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology and Eurekalert

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