Genetic Susceptibility to Multiple Sclerosis: The Role of FOXP3 Gene Polymorphism

Abstract

Introduction: It is well recognized that both genetic and environmental factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Immune pathogenesis of MS focuses on pathogenic CD4+ T lymphocytes. CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells have suppressive function in this cell group. FOXP3 (forkhead boxP3) transcription factor is a key structure in the development and function of regulatory cells. Functional alterations in FOXP3 gene expression have been observed in various autoimmune diseases.