A brief review of ALS from an immunological perspective with potential immunotherapy options

Abstract

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative neurological disease defined by the loss of function of motor neurons in the central nervous system. The symptoms begin with muscle weakness and decreased mobility, and over time, basic motor skills such as speaking, swallowing, and breathing get affected that ultimately ends up with fatality Despite years of research, there is still no definitive cure for ALS. According to the results, some of the processes involved in ALS pathogenesis include excessive glutamate activity, protein aggregation, oxidative damage, inflammatory responses, and impaired mitochondrial function. Recently, efforts have been made to develop new ALS treatments targeting these specific pathomechanisms. Along with these mechanisms, knowledge, and research on the connection between ALS pathophysiology and the immune system is advancing rapidly. Along with these mechanisms, studies are involved in the investigation of the role of the immune system in the pathophysiology of the disease. In this review, the mechanisms in the development of ALS and the effect of neuroinflammation on that process will be summarized substantially. Additionally, treatment options that include drug and gene therapies against ALS will be evaluated and new approaches such as immunotherapies will be depicted in detail. Overall, this review will explain the immunological characteristics of the disease and enlighten the therapeutical approaches that will include new immune-based therapies.