title: Estrogen-mediated protection of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: Lessons from the dissection of estrogen receptor-signaling in vivo.
abstract: A growing body of evidence from basic and clinical studies supports the therapeutic potential of estrogens in multiple sclerosis (MS), originating from the well-established reduction in relapse rates observed among women with MS during pregnancy. The biological effects of estrogens are mediated by estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ). Estrogens or selective ER-agonists have been shown to exert potent neuroprotective or anti-inflammatory effects in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the mouse model of MS. A central question in EAE is to identify the cellular targets that express a functional ER isotype, and the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of estrogens. Using pharmacological approaches targeting ER-specific functions, and genetic tools such as conditional knockout mice in which ERα or ERβ are selectively deleted in specific cell populations, a clearer picture is now emerging of the various cellular targets and downstream molecules responsible for estrogen-mediated protection against central nervous system autoimmunity.
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Laffont
authors.forename: Laure
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Garnier
authors.forename: Karine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lélu
authors.affiliation: INSERM, U1043; CNRS, U5282; Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Toulouse, F-31300, France.
authors.forename: Jean-Charles
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Guéry
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000276:immunology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen