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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
Induction and Diverse Assessment Indicators of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: September 9, 2022
A model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in C57BL/6 mice for the characterisation of intervention
Madusha Peiris1, Gregory R Monteith, Sarah J Roberts-Thomson
1The School of Pharmacy, Steele Building, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia. m.peiris@pharmacy.uq.edu.au
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) and its different forms are studied in the animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Relapsing-remitting MS, the most common form of the disease can be induced in mice where clinical symptoms fluctuate in severity over time. However, the animal model does not experience periods of recovery where clinical signs are absent, unlike the human disease. We have developed a novel model of relapsing-remitting EAE in C57BL/6 mice immunised with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptide and Quil A as adjuvant. These animals have relapses that are followed by periods of recovery, during which time the animals do not exhibit illness. Furthermore, administration of the PPARgamma agonist pioglitazone prior to a predicted relapse prevents the expected development of symptoms in a dose-dependent fashion. Immune cell infiltration into white matter of the CNS and decreased production of inflammatory cytokine IFN-gamma in treated animals were also observed. Our model will be a valuable tool in assessing intervention therapies for RR-MS sufferers.
Insights
Researchers developed a new relapsing-remitting mouse model for multiple sclerosis (MS). This model shows disease relapses followed by recovery, and a drug, pioglitazone, can prevent symptom onset.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Animal models of disease
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system.
- The experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model is widely used to study MS.
- Existing EAE models do not fully replicate the relapsing-remitting course with recovery observed in human MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, more accurate animal model for relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS).
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of pioglitazone in this new RR-MS model.
Main Methods:
- Induction of EAE in C57BL/6 mice using myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptide and Quil A adjuvant.
- Administration of the PPARgamma agonist pioglitazone prior to predicted relapse.
- Assessment of clinical symptoms, immune cell infiltration in the CNS, and cytokine production (IFN-gamma).
Main Results:
- The developed model exhibits relapses followed by periods of clinical recovery, mimicking human RR-MS.
- Pre-emptive administration of pioglitazone dose-dependently prevented symptom development during relapse.
- Pioglitazone treatment reduced immune cell infiltration and decreased IFN-gamma production in the CNS.
Conclusions:
- A novel and valuable mouse model for studying RR-MS has been established.
- Pioglitazone demonstrates therapeutic potential for preventing RR-MS relapses.
- This model will aid in evaluating new intervention therapies for RR-MS.
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