Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2025
Author Spotlight: Creating a Versatile Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model Relevant for Both Male and Female Mice
Published on: October 13, 2023
Modeling Multiple Sclerosis in the Two Sexes: MOG35-55-Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Brigitta Bonaldo1, Antonino Casile2, Francesca Montarolo3
1Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO); Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini", University of Turin; brigitta.bonaldo@unito.it.
Abstract:
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS). It is characterized by different prevalence in the sexes, affecting more women than men, and different outcomes, showing more aggressive forms in men than in women. Furthermore, MS is highly heterogeneous in terms of clinical aspects, radiological, and pathological features. Thus, it is necessary to take advantage of experimental animal models that allow the investigation of as many aspects of the pathology as possible. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) represents one of the most used models of MS in mice, modeling different disease features, from the activation of the immune system to CNS damage. Here we describe a protocol for the induction of EAE in both male and female C57BL/6J mice using myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide 35-55 (MOG35-55) immunization, which leads to the development of a chronic form of the disease. We also report the evaluation of the daily clinical score and motor performance of these mice for 28 days post immunization (28 dpi). Lastly, we illustrate some basic histological analysis at the CNS level, focusing on the spinal cord as the primary site of disease-induced damage.
Insights
This study details a protocol for inducing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), in mice. The findings offer insights into MS pathology and sex-based differences in disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, heterogeneous autoimmune CNS disease with sex-based prevalence and outcome differences.
- Investigating MS requires robust experimental models to study its diverse pathological features.
- Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a widely used mouse model for MS research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a protocol for inducing chronic EAE in male and female C57BL/6J mice.
- To evaluate clinical scores and motor performance in EAE mice over 28 days post-immunization.
- To present histological analyses of CNS damage, particularly in the spinal cord.
Main Methods:
- Induction of EAE in C57BL/6J mice using myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide 35-55 (MOG35-55) immunization.
- Daily monitoring of clinical scores and motor function for 28 days post-immunization.
- Histological examination of spinal cord tissue to assess disease-induced damage.
Main Results:
- Successful induction of a chronic EAE model in both male and female mice.
- Quantification of disease progression and motor deficits over a 28-day period.
- Demonstration of spinal cord pathology consistent with MS-like damage.
Conclusions:
- The MOG35-55 induced EAE protocol provides a reliable model for studying chronic MS.
- This model allows for the investigation of sex-specific differences in MS pathogenesis and outcomes.
- The protocol facilitates comprehensive analysis of clinical, functional, and histological aspects of the disease.
