Animal models.
Different models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) have been successfully applied to investigate and manifold aspects of the autoimmune pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Studies using myelin-specific T-cell lines that transfer EAE to naive recipient animals established that only activated lymphocytes are able to cross the endothelial blood-brain barrier and cause autoimmune disease within the local parenchyma. All encephalitogenic T cells are CD4+ Th1-type lymphocytes that recognize autoantigenic peptides in the context of MHC class II molecules. In the case of myelin basic protein (MBP) specific EAE in the Lewis rat, the T-cell response is directed against one strongly dominant peptide epitope. The encephalitogenic T cells preferentially use one particular set of T-cell receptor genes. Although MBP is a strong encephalitogen in many species, a number of other brain protein are now known to induce EAE. These include mainly myelin components (PLP, MAG, and MOG), but also, the astroglial S-100 beta protein. Encephalitogenic T cells produce only inflammatory changes in the central nervous system, without extensive primary demyelination. Destruction of myelin and oligodendrocytes in these models requires additional effector mechanisms such as auto-antibodies binding to myelin surface antigens such as the myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein.
Wekerle
H
H
Abteilung Neuroimmunologie, Max-Planck-Institute, Martinsried-Munchen, Germany.
Kojima
K
K
Lannes-Vieira
J
J
Lassmann
H
H
Linington
C
C
D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000276:immunology*; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein / Q000276:immunology; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000276:immunology; D051381:Rats; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000276:immunology
D016827:CD8 Antigens; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein; D009418:S100 Proteins