Abstract

We investigated the role of the CD134 (also named OX40) molecule in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) and multiple sclerosis (MS). We examined the susceptibility of Cd134 −/− mice to EAE, an autoimmune murine model that is dependent on infiltrating CD4 + T lymphocytes reactive to myelin proteins. EAE induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) injection in Cd134 −/− mice showed less severe clinical signs of disease and markedly reduced inflammatory infiltrates within the central nervous system (CNS). Resistance was associated with a strong reduction of pathogenic IFNγ-producing T cells infiltrating the CNS of Cd134 −/− mice. Furthermore, analysis of CNS tissue sections from EAE animals and MS patients revealed the presence of CD134 + cells that were localized in active lesions, mainly in perivascular infiltrates. The presence of CD134-expressing T cells in brain tissue of MS patients and EAE affected mice, together with the functional evidence provided by the significant decrease in disease score obtained in Cd134 −/− mice, indicate that interfering with the CD134 molecule in T cells may be an appropriate target for therapeutic intervention in active MS.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call