Inducing Myelin-Specific Tolerance in MS with CRISPR-Edited CD4+ Tregs

<pre><pre>Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is driven by autoreactive T cells attacking myelin antigens (e.g., MBP, MOG), causing demyelination. Broad immunosuppression risks infections like PML and fails to target the root cause. I propose using CRISPR/Cas9 to reprogram autoreactive CD4+ T cells into regulatory T cells (Tregs) by enhancing regulatory genes. These Tregs would suppress myelin-specific effector T cells (CD8+, memory) while preserving pathogen immunity. Unlike modifying myelin-producing cells—which leaves myelin vulnerable—this directly addresses autoreactive T cells, offering a potential breakthrough in MS therapy. In the EAE model, edited CD4+ T cells could reduce inflammation and protect myelin, with pathogen challenges to confirm safety. Challenges include specificity and memory T cells, but early testing could validate this precise approach. <br></pre></pre>