Multiple sclerosis

Research hypothesis. The connection between multiple sclerosis and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin is described in Mark Egly's patent-pending application US20220160847A1 (Appl. No. 17/527,730), a published, patent-pending application that has not been granted. It proposes testing for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency and giving AAT to people found deficient, across a range of conditions including multiple sclerosis. This is not established medical fact and is not medical advice. Always talk with your doctor about your own health.

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a health condition discussed in Mark Egly's research on Alpha-1 Antitrypsin. Autoimmune conditions involve the immune system attacking the body's own tissues.

What Mark Egly's patent-pending application discusses

The patent-pending application proposes that when the body has too little working Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, or when neutrophils release too much neutrophil elastase, inflammation and tissue damage may worsen. For multiple sclerosis, the patent-pending application suggests that testing for AATD could help guide care. This is a research hypothesis, not a proven treatment path for everyone with this condition.

Selected Scientific Anchors

1. Preclinical (mouse study). Transgenic mice expressing human AAT did not develop clinical signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of MS, and had fewer inflammatory lesions and less demyelination. They had more CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells and released less IL-17, IL-1β, and IL-6 when exposed to the MOG peptide used to trigger disease. [1]

How this may relate to Alpha-1

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) is best known as an inhibitor of the neutrophil enzymes neutrophil elastase, proteinase 3, and cathepsin G. [C] Separately from that protease inhibition, the mouse study observed more regulatory T cells and lower inflammatory signals. These are laboratory observations only and have not been shown in people with MS.

As of 15 October 2026, we found no completed or registered human clinical trials of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin for multiple sclerosis on ClinicalTrials.gov.

What you can do

If you or a family member lives with multiple sclerosis, consider learning about Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and discussing AAT testing with your healthcare team. The Mark Egly Foundation offers education and community support:

• Mark Egly's patent-pending application
• Related Conditions
• Self-check tool
• Alpha-1 360
• Contact the foundation
• AATD and neurological conditions

References

[1] Subramanian S, Shahaf G, Ozeri E, Miller LM, Vandenbark AA, Lewis EC, Offner H. Sustained expression of circulating human alpha-1 antitrypsin reduces inflammation, increases CD4+FoxP3+ Treg cell population and prevents signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice. Metab Brain Dis. 2011;26(2):107-113. doi:10.1007/s11011-011-9239-9. PMID 21437674. Evidence level: Preclinical. PubMed · DOI

[C] Janciauskiene S, Welte T. Well-known and less well-known functions of alpha-1 antitrypsin. Its role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other disease developments. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2016;13(Suppl 4):S280-S288. doi:10.1513/AnnalsATS.201507-468KV. PMID 27564662. PubMed · DOI

References checked: 15 October 2026

Research hypothesis. This page is educational only and is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin is not an approved treatment for multiple sclerosis. Continue standard care with your neurologist or specialist team.