ACTRIMS 2022 | BTK inhibitors: Investigating disease relevant mechanisms in multiple sclerosis

Previously, Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKis) have primarily been used for the treatment of B-cell cancers to deplete B-cell proliferation. BTKis are currently being investigated as a novel disease modifying therapy for the treatment of MS. Rochelle Benoit, MS, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, discusses the use of BTKis in MS and investigations into their impact in non-B cell populations, including monocytes, macrophages, and microglia. When human-derived macrophages were treated with evobrutinib and tolebrutinib, a significant decrease in proinflammatory cytokine release was observed. The same effect was not seen in mouse-derived macrophages, suggesting a possible species difference in the cellular role of BTKs. This interview took place at the ACTRIMS Forum 2022 in West Palm Beach, Florida.