MBP Antibodies

Myelin basic protein (MBP) is the major extrinsic membrane protein of the central nervous. MBP is important in the process of myelination of nerves in the CNS. MBP was initially sequenced in 1979, and since that time, knockout mice deficient in MBP have been developed which showed decreased amounts of CNS myelination and a progressive disorder characterized by tremors, seizures, and early death. MBP localizes to the CNS and to various cells of the hematopoietic system. Interest in MBP has centered on its role in demyelinating diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis (MS). Several studies have shown a role for antibodies against MBP in the pathogenesis of MS.