EAE Induction by Passive Transfer of MOG-specific CD4+ T Cells
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Updated: Oct 19, 2025
Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein MOG35-55 Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis EAE in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: April 15, 2014
Yuki Tanaka1, Yasunobu Arima1, Kotaro Higuchi1
1Division of Molecular Neuroimmunology, Institute for Genetic Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
Abstract:
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), which is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). It is characterized by focal demyelination and inflammatory responses mediated by myelin-specific autoreactive CD4+ T cells. Using a passive transfer model of EAE in mice, we have demonstrated that regional specific neural signals by sensory-sympathetic communications create gateways for immune cells at specific blood vessels of the CNS, a phenomenon known as the gateway reflex ( Arima et al., 2012 ; Tracey, 2012; Arima et al., 2013 ; Sabharwal et al., 2014 ; Arima et al., 2015b ). Here we describe protocols for passive transfer model of EAE using freshly isolated (MOG)-specific CD4+ T cells or periodically restimulated MOG-specific CD4+ T cell lines, which are suitable for tracking pathogenic CD4+ T cells in vivo, particularly in the CNS ( Ogura et al., 2008 ; Arima et al., 2012 and 2015b).
Insights
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS), involves CD4+ T cells targeting the central nervous system (CNS). Neural signals create immune cell gateways in the CNS via the gateway reflex.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Inflammation
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic CNS inflammatory disease.
- Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models MS, involving myelin-specific CD4+ T cells.
- The gateway reflex, mediated by neural signals, facilitates immune cell entry into the CNS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail protocols for a passive transfer EAE model.
- To enable tracking of pathogenic CD4+ T cells in vivo, especially within the CNS.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a passive transfer EAE model in mice.
- Employing freshly isolated or restimulated myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-specific CD4+ T cells.
- Focusing on tracking T cells within the central nervous system.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that neural signals via sensory-sympathetic communication establish immune cell gateways at CNS blood vessels (gateway reflex).
- Established protocols for tracking pathogenic CD4+ T cells in vivo within the CNS using the EAE model.
Conclusions:
- The gateway reflex is a key mechanism for immune cell infiltration in the CNS.
- The described protocols facilitate research into pathogenic CD4+ T cell roles in EAE and MS.
