Mechanisms Governing Oligodendrocyte Viability in Multiple Sclerosis and Its Animal Models

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which is triggered by an autoimmune assault targeting oligodendrocytes and myelin. Recent research indicates that the demise of oligodendrocytes due to an autoimmune attack contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of MS and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). A key challenge in MS research lies in comprehending the mechanisms governing oligodendrocyte viability and devising therapeutic approaches to enhance oligodendrocyte survival. Here, we provide an overview of recent findings that highlight the contributions of oligodendrocyte death to the development of MS and EAE and summarize the current literature on the mechanisms governing oligodendrocyte viability in these diseases.