Subclinical CNS inflammation as response to a myelin antigen in humanized mice

J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2013 Sep;8(4):1037-47. doi: 10.1007/s11481-013-9466-4. Epub 2013 May 3.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is a demyelinating autoimmune disease of the CNS. Its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis is commonly induced by active immunization with myelin antigens. To investigate human immune responses against myelin antigens in vivo we established a new subclinical experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model in humanized mice. NOD/Scidγc⁻/⁻ animals were transferred with peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy human donors and immunized with myelin antigens in complete Freund's adjuvant and antigen-pulsed autologous dendritic cells. Human T cells recovered from these animals reacted specifically to the soluble domain of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and secreted proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, immunized animals developed subclinical CNS inflammation with infiltrating CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells and production of encephalitogenic cytokines. Thus, this model of myelin-induced CNS inflammation by human T cells may allow testing of new human-specific therapeuticals for multiple sclerosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / toxicity*
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / immunology*
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred NOD
  • Mice, SCID
  • Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein / toxicity*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • MOG protein, human
  • Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein