MYMD-1, a novel alkaloid compound, ameliorates the course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that remains in need of effective therapies. Plant-derived medicines have appealing properties for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. MYMD-1 is a synthetic plant alkaloid that has been shown to ameliorate the course of autoimmune thyroiditis. The goal of the present study was to determine whether MYMD-1 would produce similar beneficial effects in a mouse model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein. MYMD-1 improved the course of EAE and suppressed activation of effector T cells without causing global immunosuppression or toxicity. These results suggest that MYMD-1 may be of interest for evaluating for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.