T- and B-cell responses to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis

Glia. 2001 Nov;36(2):220-34. doi: 10.1002/glia.1111.

Abstract

The identification of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) as a target for autoantibody-mediated demyelination in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) resulted in the re-evaluation of the role of B cell responses to myelin autoantigens in the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. MOG is a central nervous system specific myelin glycoprotein that is expressed preferentially on the outermost surface of the myelin sheath. Although MOG is only a minor component of CNS myelin it is highly immunogenic, inducing severe EAE in both rodents and primates. In rat and marmoset models of MOG-induced EAE demyelination is antibody-dependent and reproduces the immunopathology seen in many cases of MS. In contrast, in mice inflammation in the CNS can result in demyelination in the absence of a MOG-specific B cell response, although if present this will enhance disease severity and demyelination. Clinical studies indicate that autoimmune responses to MOG are enhanced in many CNS diseases and implicate MOG-specific B cell responses in the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. This review provides a summary of our current understanding of MOG as a target autoantigen in EAE and MS, and addresses the crucial question as to how immune tolerance to MOG may be maintained in the healthy individual.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animal Diseases
  • Animals
  • Autoantibodies / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / immunology*
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance / physiology
  • Immunotherapy
  • Mice
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / physiopathology
  • Myelin Proteins
  • Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein / immunology*
  • Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • MOG protein, human
  • Mog protein, mouse
  • Mog protein, rat
  • Myelin Proteins
  • Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein
  • Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein