Multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition that damages nerves and can produce a variety of symptoms such as muscle weakness, spasms, and discomfort, may now have a new treatment option thanks to research done at the University of Virginia. A chemical regulator known as aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), which can trigger an inflammatory response, was discovered by the scientists after studying the gut microbiomes of mice. The scientists discovered that inflammation was significantly reduced and the mice recovered from their illness by suppressing AHR in the guts of mice. Although more investigation is required to see whether the results apply to human patients, the study opens a new avenue for researching MS treatments that do not rely on existing symptom control strategies. The researchers claim that drugging AHR might be more efficient than giving MS patients probiotics or medications that suppress their immune systems.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002000