Although no animal model thus far establishes all facets of human multiple sclerosis (MS), Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) models are the most studied for the disease. It’s commonly modeled in rodents such as mice, rats and guinea pigs. The origin of the model is traced to the development of the rabies vaccine when it caused encephalomyopathy in a small percentage of humans who received the vaccine. It was later determined that these vaccines contained myelin antigens which triggered an immune response targeting the myelin of the vaccine recipient.

Although Th1 cells are an important component in the pathology of the disease, more recent findings suggest that a proinflammatory cascade of Th17 cells, IL-6 and TGF-β in the central nervous system may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of EAE and MS. 

Initially brain homogenates were used as antigens for immunization. Today, myelin related proteins can be used to induce EAE. Among the most commonly employed are proteolipid protein (PLP, a major component of myelin found only in myelin) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG, found on the outer surface of the oligodendrocyte). The choice of the myelin protein together with the animal species/strain and method of induction will determine the type of disease one wants to mimic. 

MD Bioproducts sells high quality MOG and PLP for the induction of EAE. If you do not have the capability of running efficacy studies in your lab, MD Biosciences Neuro provides these models as a contract research service.