Efficient central nervous system remyelination requires T cells.
We demonstrate a role for immune functions in the spontaneous remyelination of central nervous system (CNS) axons after lysolecithin-induced demyelination in the spinal cord. Rag-1-deficient mice lack both B cells and T cells and show significantly reduced spontaneous remyelination compared with control mice of matching genetic background. Mice lacking or depleted of either CD4(+) T cells or CD8(+) T cells also exhibit reduced remyelination. These data indicate that T cells are necessary for efficient CNS remyelination. Thus, general nonspecific immunosuppression as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of CNS injury and demyelinating disease may have undesirable effects on subsequent tissue repair.
Bieber
Allan J
AJ
Department of Neurology, Mayo Medical and Graduate Schools, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. bieber.allan@mayo.edu
Kerr
Scott
S
Rodriguez
Moses
M
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D003711:Demyelinating Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D008244:Lysophosphatidylcholines / Q000009:adverse effects; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000276:immunology*
D008244:Lysophosphatidylcholines