Implication of 5-HT7 Receptor in Inflammatory Mechanisms in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease associated with inflammatory response harmful for the Central Nervous System. Immunological imbalance is involved with Th1 and Th17 cells in correlation with a disturbance of regulators mechanisms as Treg cells. Despite years of research, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Serotonin (5-HT) seems to be play an essential role in developing CNS inflammatory diseases and in particular in MS. Indeed, several studies have shown the anti-inflammatory potential of this neurotransmitter and also its vulnerability in inflammatory context. Moreover, a recent study has shown that 5-HT can reduced CD4 T cells proliferation and pro-inflammatory cytokines released in vitro. Interestingly, treatment, treatment with SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) in an animal model of MS, on Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis, was shown to improve the clinical score and promote remission of the disease. Among serotonin receptors, the 5-HT7 receptor, can be considered as an interesting target to treat neurological disorders associated with inflammatory context. Present in humans and mice, this receptor is expressed on the surface of a large number of cells, such as T-lymphocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells as well as on cells of CNS such as neurons, astrocytes and microglia. Given the importance of the positive cells for 5-HT7 receptor, in the inflammatory context observed in multiple sclerosis, the investigators propose to study the receptor expression in blood samples from multiple sclerosis patient.