Protein Seen to Impede Remyelination in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Researchers from Karolinska Institute, Sweden, reported that the immune-associated protein lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is increased in multiple sclerosis, particularly in patients with progressive MS. The researchers, however, concluded that the factor cannot be used as a biomarker for the disease.

The study, “Lipocalin-2 is increased in progressive multiple sclerosis and inhibits remyelination,“ was published in the journal Neuroimmunology and Neuroinflammation.

Initially identified as a peripheral immune factor, studies have recently suggested that LCN2 might play a role also in the central nervous system. Researchers believe it contributes to experimental autoimmune encephalitis, among other things, promoting demyelination. An earlier study also found increased levels of LCN2 in a small number of progressive MS patients, compared with patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)

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