Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mediated by CD8+ T cells

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that is believed to have an autoimmune origin. CD4(+) T cells have been well studied for their involvement in the pathogenesis of MS and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). CD8(+) T cells, however, have been overlooked until recently, when more attention has focused on their potential role in pathogenic mechanisms in MS. Here we summarize our work in generating a CD8(+) T cell-mediated EAE model. We discuss immune tolerance mechanisms that regulate CD8(+) T cells specific for myelin basic protein (MBP), and describe initial results regarding triggers of CD8(+) T cell-mediated disease. The availability of CD8(+) T cell-mediated EAE models will help to elucidate the pathogenic roles of CD8(+) T cells in MS, and provide tools for development of novel therapies for MS.