[Review] Pathogenesis of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and risks associated with treatments for multiple sclerosis: a decade of lessons learned

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare, devastating demyelinating disease of the CNS caused by the JC virus (JCV) that occurs in patients with compromised immune systems. Detection of PML in systemically immunocompetent patients with multiple sclerosis treated with natalizumab points to a role for this drug in the pathophysiology of PML. Emerging knowledge of the cellular and molecular biology of JCV infection and the pathogenesis of PML —including interplay of this common virus with the human immune system and features of natalizumab that might contribute to PML pathogenesis—provides new opportunities to monitor viral status and predict risk of JCV-associated disease.

Source: Lancet Neurology - April 13, 2018 Category: Neurology Authors: Eugene O Major, Tarek A Yousry, David B Clifford Tags: Review Source Type: research