Creative Biolabs offers a wide range of in vivo models of neurological diseases for the preclinical evaluation of potential therapeutic interventions. Especially, we provide various experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models (both rats and mice) induced by different myelin-derived proteins or peptides. These models are excellent tools for investigation of therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of action of novel therapies. Moreover, we also provide tailor-made studies to fit your exact research needs.
Introduction of MS
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that leads to paralysis and currently affects approximately 2.5 million people worldwide. In terms of the clinical course, there are several MS subtypes: relapsing-remitting (RR) MS, with relapses of disease separated by periods without clinical progression; secondary progressive, which represents the phase of the disease where a gradual neurological deterioration follows a period of RR disease; primary progressive, where the neurological deterioration is present from the onset, most frequently without superimposed relapses. Inflammation, primary demyelination, and neurodegeneration are the dominant pathological features of both, relapsing and progressive MS.
Fig.1 Schematic diagram of some of the key pathological features of EAE pathogenesis. (Constantinescu et al. 2011)
On pathological examination, inflammation consisting of T-cell and B-cell infiltrates is invariably present in the CNS and lesions of MS patients. The lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrates are dominated by CD8+ T-cells with much lower contribution of CD4+ T-cells and B-cells. The second key pathological feature of MS is the widespread primary demyelination, which gives rise to large focal lesions with complete myelin loss and partial sparing of axons. In addition to demyelination, there is a partial and variable degeneration and loss of axons in the lesions.
Similarities between EAE and MS
Table.1 Similarities between MS and EAE. (Steinman et al. 2005)
Differences between EAE and MS
MS is a spontaneous disease, while EAE is induced by active sensitization with brain tissue antigens and strong immune adjuvants are required to induce disease. Also, for practical reasons and for the sake of reproducibility, EAE is studied mainly in inbred animals or in genetically homogeneous populations. Thus, the genetic heterogeneity, which is so critical in the multiple sclerosis population, is only reflected when multiple different models of EAE are studied in parallel. Despite these limitations, most of our current knowledge regarding principal mechanisms of brain inflammation has been gathered from studies on EAE.
Overview of EAE Models
Through the years, several MS in vivo models have been developed to explore MS neuropathology, among which EAE represents the most widely used MS experimental model. It has been used for over 80 years to not only study MS mechanisms but also to develop novel therapeutics for the reason that EAE can reproduce many of the clinical, neuropathological, and immunological aspects of MS. This model is typically induced by either active immunization with myelin-derived proteins or peptides in adjuvant or by passive transfer of activated myelin-specific CD4+ T lymphocytes. These myelin-derived proteins include myelin basic protein (MBP), proteolipid protein (PLP), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG). Different antigens cause different forms of EAE with distinct immunological and pathological properties that mimic different aspects of human MS.
Creative Biolabs also offers following EAE rodent models you may be interested in:
The comprehensive list of rodent neurological disease models is placed below for your review:
Please contact us or directly send us an inquiry if you are interested in any of these animal model services.
References
For Research Use Only.
