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Updated: Aug 23, 2026
Modeling Multiple Sclerosis in the Two Sexes: MOG35-55-Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: October 13, 2023
Mouse models of multiple sclerosis: experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and Theiler's virus-induced
Kevin G Fuller1, Julie K Olson, Laurence M Howard
1Department of Microbiology--Immunology and Interdepartmental Immunobiology Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
Abstract:
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and Theiler's murine encephalitis virus-induced demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD) are two clinically relevant murine models of multiple sclerosis (MS). Like MS, both are characterized by mononuclear cell infiltrate into the central nervous system and demyelination. EAE is induced by either the administration of protein or peptide in adjuvant or by the adoptive transfer of encephalitogenic T-cell blasts into naïve recipients. The relative merits of each of these protocols are compared. Depending on the type of question asked, different mouse strains and peptides are used. Different disease courses are observed with different strains and different peptides in active EAE. These variations are addressed, and grading of mice in EAE is discussed. In addition to EAE induction, useful references for other disease indicators, such as delayed-type hypersensitivity, in vitro proliferation, and immunohistochemistry, are provided. TMEV-IDD is a useful model for understanding the potential viral etiology of MS. This chapter provides detailed information on the preparation of viral stocks and subsequent intracerebral infection of mice. In addition, virus plaque assay and disease assessment are discussed. Recombinant TMEV strains have been created for the study of molecular mimicry; these strains incorporate 30 various amino acid myelin epitopes within the leader region of TMEV.
Insights
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and Theiler's murine encephalitis virus-induced demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD) are key murine models for studying multiple sclerosis (MS). This work compares EAE induction methods and details TMEV-IDD protocols for MS research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Demyelinating diseases
- Animal models of neurological disorders
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
- Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and Theiler's murine encephalitis virus-induced demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD) are widely used preclinical models that mimic aspects of MS.
- Both models exhibit central nervous system inflammation and demyelination, making them valuable for investigating MS pathogenesis and potential therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive comparison of different experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induction protocols.
- To detail the methods for inducing and assessing Theiler's murine encephalitis virus-induced demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD) as a model for multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To discuss the selection of mouse strains, antigens, and disease assessment techniques for EAE and TMEV-IDD studies.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of active EAE induction via protein/peptide administration with adjuvant versus adoptive transfer of T-cell blasts.
- Detailed protocols for TMEV-IDD induction, including viral stock preparation and intracerebral inoculation.
- Methods for assessing disease severity in EAE, including grading scales and supplementary indicators like delayed-type hypersensitivity, in vitro proliferation, and immunohistochemistry.
- Techniques for TMEV-IDD assessment, including virus plaque assays and disease scoring.
Main Results:
- Different EAE induction methods, mouse strains, and peptides result in varied disease courses and severity.
- TMEV-IDD provides insights into potential viral etiologies of MS.
- Recombinant TMEV strains incorporating myelin epitopes facilitate the study of molecular mimicry in demyelination.
Conclusions:
- The choice of EAE induction protocol, mouse strain, and antigen is critical and depends on the specific research question.
- TMEV-IDD offers a complementary model for MS research, particularly for exploring viral triggers.
- Standardized methods and careful assessment are essential for reproducible results in these complex animal models of MS.
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