All research begins with an hypothesis and research into multiple sclerosis is no exception.
Most scientists would suggest that MS is an autoimmune disease triggered by environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals that leads to myelin destruction. How did we arrive at this hypothesis, what does it mean and what are its implications for basic research are questions discussed in this article. Myelin is synthesised by a specialised cell in the brain called an oligodendrocyte and is needed for the saltatory propagation of action potential in vertebrate axons. The symptoms of MS are caused by damage to myelin. Failure of the immune system to maintain self tolerance results in autoimmunity.