Which monoclonal antibody is known for targeting specific cells in multiple sclerosis (MS)?

The correct answer is alemtuzumab, which is a monoclonal antibody specifically designed to target certain cells involved in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Alemtuzumab works by binding to the CD52 antigen, which is predominantly present on the surface of mature lymphocytes, including T and B cells. By targeting these immune cells, alemtuzumab leads to their depletion, thus altering the immune response that contributes to the autoimmune attack on myelin in MS.

The specificity of alemtuzumab for these immune cells is a crucial aspect of its therapeutic mechanism, as it helps to reduce the inflammatory processes characteristic of MS. This targeted approach has been found to be effective in managing relapsing forms of MS, providing benefits such as reduced relapse rates and delaying disease progression.

In contrast, the other options given do not share this specific mechanism. Mitoxantrone is a chemotherapy agent that can have effects on various cells but is not a monoclonal antibody and has broader actions that are less targeted. Diethyl fumarate is an oral medication that modulates the immune response through anti-inflammatory pathways rather than specifically targeting immune cells via antibody binding. Extrapyramidal agents refer to a group of pharmacological agents that treat