HCA2 is expressed by keratinocytes and immune cells, particularly by neutrophils and macrophages, and plays an important role in mediating the anti-inflammatory effects of DMF in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of MS.42 DMF lowered the number of spinal inflammatory cells including neutrophils and reduced demyelination with none of the protective effects of DMF evident in hca2−/− mice, suggesting that HCA2 is required for the therapeutic benefits of DMF.42 The gene discussed is HCAR2; the disease is experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.