Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) develops in genetically susceptible individuals as a result of immune dysregulation. The complex role that the immune system plays in both the aetiology and evolution of MS continues to be investigated. Alemtuzumab is a promising treatment for RRMS with proven efficacy in reducing relapse rate and disability progression in phase II trials. It causes a profound lymphopenia with subsequent immune reconstitution in treated patients. The efficacy of alemtuzumab and its mechanism of action mean it is a powerful tool to study the behaviour of the immune system in patients with MS. This thesis examines three aspects of immune function in the context of alemtuzumab treatment in patients with MS; specifically immune tolerance, protective autoimmunity and oligoclonal band production.