CERAMIDE C16-CER AND CERS6 IN THE TREATMENT AND DIAGNOSIS OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)

摘要

The present invention relates to a method of diagnosis and/or monitoring the progression of multiple sclerosis, comprising the use of ceramide and/or ceramide synthase, specifically C16-Cer and CerS6, as biomarkers for monitoring the onset and development of the disease. The invention discloses further a diagnostic kit for performing the inventive methods. Furthermore methods and compounds for modulating the activity of the ceramide and/or ceramide synthase are described which are useful for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Also described is a method for screening compounds or combination of compounds capable of preventing and/or alleviating the clinical symptoms of an autoimmune disease based on the ceramide and/or ceramide synthase biomarkers disclosed herein, as well as compounds identified by the screening methods and their use in the treatment or prevention of multiple sclerosis.