Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Mice and Evaluation of the Disease-dependent Distribution of Immune Cells in Various Tissues
Published on: May 8, 2016
The thymus plays a role in oral tolerance induction in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Fei Song1, Ingrid E Gienapp, Todd Shawler
1Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics, The Ohio State University, 2078 Graves Hall, 333 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. song.89@osu.edu
Mice are protected from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) when fed myelin basic protein (MBP). Thymectomized mice do not exhibit oral tolerance. We found evidence for two mechanisms to explain the role of the thymus in oral tolerance: a site for deletion of autoreactive T cells and a source of regulatory T cells.
Mice are protected from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) when fed myelin basic protein (MBP). Thymectomized mice do not exhibit oral tolerance. We found evidence for two mechanisms to explain the role of the thymus in oral tolerance: a site for deletion of autoreactive T cells and a source of regulatory T cells.
Related Concept Videos
Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
Primary Lymphoid Organs
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
