Recent insights into the mechanism of action of glatiramer acetate

Mrinalini Kala; Augusto Miravalle; Timothy Vollmer

doi:10.1016/j.jneuroim.2011.01.009

Recent insights into the mechanism of action of glatiramer acetate

J Neuroimmunol. 2011 Jun;235(1-2):9-17. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2011.01.009. Epub 2011 Mar 13.

Authors

Mrinalini Kala¹, Augusto Miravalle, Timothy Vollmer

Affiliation

¹ Division of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, 350 West Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA. [email protected]

PMID: 21402415
DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2011.01.009

Abstract

Glatiramer acetate (GA, Copaxone®, co-polymer 1) is an immunomodulatory therapy approved in 1996 by the United States Food and Drug Administration for treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. GA has a good safety profile, moderate efficacy, and a unique mode of action. Recent evidence in an animal model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), suggests that GA effects on NK cells and B cells may contribute to therapeutic efficacy. We review the mechanism of action of GA, with particular focus on recent data suggesting a role for regulatory B cells.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
B-Lymphocytes / drug effects
B-Lymphocytes / immunology
B-Lymphocytes / pathology
Dendritic Cells / drug effects
Dendritic Cells / immunology
Dendritic Cells / pathology
Glatiramer Acetate
Humans
Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology
Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
Multiple Sclerosis / immunology
Multiple Sclerosis / pathology
Peptides / pharmacology
Peptides / therapeutic use*
T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
T-Lymphocytes / immunology
T-Lymphocytes / pathology

Substances

Immunosuppressive Agents
Peptides
Glatiramer Acetate