EAE Induction by Passive Transfer of MOG-specific CD4⁺ T Cells

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.