[Immunologic multiple sclerosis research].

In multiple sclerosis (MS) different autoimmunological phenomena can be held responsible for the inflammatory demyelinating process. A cytotoxic reaction of lymphocytes against the encephalitogenic peptide of the myelin basic protein is assumed to be the primary factor; furthermore, demyelinating antibodies play an important part in the destruction of the myelin sheath. As can be identified at the acute stage of the disease, anomalies in the immunoregulation and the suppression of the control mechanism give additional indications towards the immunopathogenesis of MS. The cause of the demyelinating autoimmune process is unknown. According to epidemiological studies, a virus infection is the most likely etiology for MS.