LINGO-1 is a natural protein that inhibits oligodendrocyte* function and therefore prevents remyelination. In animal studies loss of LINGO-1 function by deleting the gene or by treating the animal with an antibody that blocks LINGO-1 function leads to recovery from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, the animal model of MS. Electron microscopy demonstrated newly formed myelin sheaths. Blocking LINGO-1 or its pathway is therefore a very promising approach to promote remyelination in MS.
“Anti-LINGO-1 is now in a phase 1b study in MS’ers; this is a very exciting development! Would you not agree?”
CoI: I have consulted in the past for Biogen-Idec who are developing this drug.
*Oligodendrocytes are the cells that produce myelin
For those of you who want to read the abstract: Mi et al. LINGO-1 antagonist promotes spinal cord remyelination and axonal integrity in MOG-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Nat Med. 2007 Oct;13(10):1228-33.
How long will the trials take and when could it become available?
The info is on clinical trials.gov…as to availability…we do not know if it works yet.