Detection of STAT4 in Multiple Sclerosis patients by polymerase chain reaction and flowcytometry.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system, characterized by progressive demyelination and inflammation. MS is characterized by immune system attacks on the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers. Genome-wide association studies revealed a polymorphism in the signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) gene that increases risk for MS.