MOG Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (Chronic EAE)

Description

The MOG35-55 model of EAE is considered the gold standard model in the field and is routinely used in the development of therapeutics for MS. Phenotypes are mediated by self-reactive encephalitogenic T cells, as well as macrophages, resident microglia, and astrocytes. Disease is induced by immunization with a myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) emulsified in Complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA), followed by Pertussis toxin administration. An ascending flaccid paralysis that begins with a limp tail and progresses to hind and forelimb paralysis is observed. Test article responses can be compared to the effects of Prednisolone or Fingolimod.

  • Advantages: most widely used MS animal model, most FDA-approved MS disease-modifying therapies have demonstrated benefits in EAE, best suited for studying chronic disease.
  • Disadvantages: pathology is primarily confined to the spinal cord, limited utility for assessment of side effects such as PML, disease severity can be impacted by animal stress.
Model Systems
  • C57Bl/6 Mice
Standard Readouts
  • Percent weight change
  • EAE score
  • EAE incidence
  • Terminal histopathology and/or IHC analyses
Additional Readouts
  • CNS and plasma/serum cytokines
  • Peripheral lymphoid organ immunophenotyping (Flow Cytometry)
  • CNS immunophenotyping (Flow Cytometry)
  • Antigen specific T cell stimulation assays (Luminex or Flow Cytometry)
  • Custom assays
Representative DataClick Image to Enlarge
Percent Weight Change in the Murine MOG EAE Model

MOG-induced EAE animals are weighed daily, and body weight compared to Day 0 is calculated. The AUC is calculated to compare treatment arms and is shown in the inset. (*p<0.05 compared to the vehicle-control)

EAE Scores in the Murine MOG EAE Model

Animals are evaluated for clinical signs of EAE on a daily basis and are assigned an EAE score. The AUC is calculated to compare treatment arms and is shown in the inset. (*p<0.05; **p<0.01; ***p<0.005 compared to the vehicle-control)

Disease Incidence in the MOG EAE Model

Animals are evaluated for clinical signs of EAE on a daily basis and the overall disease incidence is calculated.

Daniel Lichtman

Managing Partner