Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifocal demyelinating disease with progressive neurodegeneration caused by an autoimmune response to self-antigens in a genetically susceptible individual. The disease nearly always starts before the age of 40 years, afflicts approximately three females per one male, and is a major cause of disability. MS is considered to be an autoimmune disease, initiated by T cells targeting self-antigens in the CNS in genetically susceptible individuals. MS is a significant cause of disability, especially in people in their most productive working and childbearing years. MS is characterized by demyelination and axonal loss starting from the dysregulation of the immune system followed by a neurodegenerative process.

References

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