No association between allergies and multiple sclerosis

Different types of inflammation are defined by immunologists by the type of cells and the mediators used by these cells.

The current dogma: inflammation in MS is mediated by either T-helper one (Th1) or T-helper 17 (Th17) cells. In comparison, allergies are due to a T-helper two (Th2) immune response, which may be protective in MS.

A large analysis of all published studies on allergic disease and MS provides no evidence of a positive or negative association between the allergic diseases asthma , allergic rhinitis and eczema.

Implications: this analysis challenges the current dogma and also raises questions about the treatment strategy of trying to stimulate Th2 immunity in PwMS; e.g. by promoting parasitic infections of the gut.

Click here for abstract: Monteiro et al. Acta Neurol Scand. 2010 Apr 29 (Epub ahead of print)