Abstract: The present invention discloses the first medical use of alpha B crystallin or derivatives thereof in the field of auto-immune diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis. It also discloses diagnostic methods and tools therefor based upon alpha B crystallin for the detection of multiple sclerosis. Human alpha B crystallin is a known protein in itself, known to be present in the eye and in small amounts in the white matter of the nerve system, which is affected by multiple sclerosis. By using a novel and inventive approach to test for ability to induce auto-immunity, alpha B crystallin has been shown by the present invention to be an important auto-antigen. Such methods are also part of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the first medical use of alpha B crystallin or derivatives thereof in the field of auto-immune diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis. It also discloses diagnostic methods and tools therefor based upon alpha B crystallin for the detection of multiple sclerosis. Human alpha B crystallin is a known protein in itself, known to be present in the eye and in small amounts in the white matter of the nerve system, which is affected by multiple sclerosis. By using a novel and inventive approach to test for ability to induce auto-immunity, alpha B crystallin has been shown by the present invention to be an important auto-antigen. Such methods are also part of the invention.