Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 14, 2026
Induction and Diverse Assessment Indicators of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: September 9, 2022
Checklist for reporting and reviewing studies of experimental animal models of multiple sclerosis and related
1Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Centre, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Neuroimmunology Unit, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Animal models of neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases, have greatly contributed to our understanding of human disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). These models play a key role in drug development and have led to novel therapeutic approaches to treat human diseases. Nevertheless, some studies showing efficacy of therapies in animal models have not translated well to the clinic. In part, this disparity can be explained by differences in the biology of animals and humans. Another contributing factor is the quality of execution and reporting of studies, which is the responsibility of the authors. However, the acceptance of these papers depends on the quality of refereeing and editorial proficiency. When reporting animal studies, it is recommended that manuscripts conform to the principals of the Animals in Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) guidelines (Kilkenny et al., 2010). This provides a list of 20 guidelines that should be employed in order to make papers consistent as well as transparent. However, conformation to the ARRIVE guidelines requires significantly more information than current publications often report. We have thus refined the ARRIVE guidelines, incorporated the 3Rs (Reduction, Refinement and Replacement) principals, and specifically adapted them to the reporting of animal models of multiple sclerosis (MS) and related disorders. As an example we have used experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the most widely used model of MS, since many EAE studies lack evidence of adoption of indicators of quality (Kilkenny et al., 2009; Baker and Amor, 2010; Vesterinen et al., 2010). The guide, reported here, is intended to act as a checklist to aid both authors and referees of manuscripts, just as the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines are a compulsory part of reporting clinical trials. Our aim is to improve the conclusions drawn from EAE studies and thus aid better translation to the clinical and treatment of MS. It is thus recommended that this checklist be adhered to for both authors and referees of papers submitted to all relevant journals including the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.
Insights
Refined reporting guidelines for animal models of multiple sclerosis (MS) improve study quality and translation to human clinical trials. This checklist enhances transparency and reliability in neurodegenerative disease research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Animal models are crucial for understanding neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Therapeutic successes in animal models often fail to translate to human clinical trials due to biological differences and study quality issues.
- Current reporting standards for animal studies, such as the ARRIVE guidelines, require further refinement for specific disease models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To refine the ARRIVE guidelines for reporting animal models of MS and related disorders.
- To incorporate the 3Rs principles (Reduction, Refinement, Replacement) into the reporting checklist.
- To improve the quality, transparency, and translational validity of studies using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a key MS model.
Main Methods:
- Adapted and refined the ARRIVE guidelines specifically for reporting animal models of MS.
- Integrated the 3Rs principles into the enhanced reporting checklist.
- Utilized experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) as a case study for refinement, addressing common quality deficits in EAE research.
Main Results:
- Developed a comprehensive checklist to aid authors and referees in reporting animal studies on MS.
- The refined guidelines aim to increase consistency and transparency in study execution and reporting.
- The checklist is designed to improve the reliability of conclusions drawn from EAE studies.
Conclusions:
- Adherence to the refined checklist is recommended for authors and referees of manuscripts reporting on animal models of MS.
- Improved reporting standards will enhance the translation of findings from animal models to clinical applications for MS treatment.
- The checklist serves as a vital tool to bridge the gap between preclinical research and clinical outcomes in multiple sclerosis.
