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Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG35-55) Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) in C57BL/6 Mice
08:03

Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG35-55) Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) in C57BL/6 Mice

Published on: April 15, 2014

Multiple sclerosis and measles virus

Y Ohara1

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan. ohara@kanazawa-med.ac.jp

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases
|February 19, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Investigating the measles virus (MV) as a potential cause of multiple sclerosis (MS), this study explores the link between early-life infections and demyelination. Definitive evidence remains elusive despite extensive virological research.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Epidemiological data suggest infectious agents precede multiple sclerosis (MS) onset.
  • Virus-induced demyelination in animal models supports a viral trigger for MS.
  • Immunological links and neurological complications from measles virus (MV) implicate MV in MS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential role of measles virus (MV) as a causative agent in multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • To explore the association between pre-pubertal infections and the development of MS.
  • To evaluate existing virological and immunological data linking MV to MS-related demyelination.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological studies on pre-pubertal exposures in MS patients.
  • Analysis of animal models demonstrating virus-induced demyelination.
  • Examination of virological research, including morphological studies, virus isolation, and gene detection for MV.
  • Assessment of immunological data and neurological complications associated with MV infection.

Main Results:

  • Epidemiological studies indicate a potential link between early-life infections and MS.
  • Animal models confirm viruses can induce demyelination.
  • MV has been investigated as a potential MS agent, with some supporting immunological data.
  • Despite numerous virological investigations, conclusive evidence directly identifying MV as the MS causative agent is still lacking.

Conclusions:

  • The hypothesis that measles virus (MV) may cause multiple sclerosis (MS) is supported by indirect evidence.
  • Further research is required to definitively establish or refute the role of MV in MS pathogenesis.
  • The search for infectious triggers of MS, particularly MV, remains an active area of investigation.

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