Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: A New Generation of Promising Agents for Multiple Sclerosis Therapy

Abstract

B cells play a central role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), as demonstrated through the success of various B cell-depleting monoclonal antibodies. Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a critical molecule in intracellular signaling from the receptor of B cells and receptors expressed in the cells of the innate immune system. BTK inhibitors may be a non-cell-depleting alternative to B cell modulation. In this review, the structure, signaling, and roles of BTK are reviewed among the different inhibitors assayed in animal models of MS and clinical trials.

Keywords

• Bruton’s tyrosine kinase
• multiple sclerosis
• B cells
• BTK inhibitors