Memory cells specific for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) transfer experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

摘要

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the CNS mediated by CD4⁺ T cells directed against myelin antigens. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is induced by immunization with myelin antigens like myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG). We have explored transfer of EAE using MOG35-55-specific TCR transgenic (2D2) T cells. Unsorted 2D2 Th1 cells reliably transferred EAE. Further, we found that CD44^hiCD62L^lo effector/memory CD4⁺ T cells are likely responsible for disease transfer due to up-regulation of CD44. Given the importance of MOG in MS pathogenesis, mechanistic insights into adoptively transferred EAE by MOG-specific Th1 cells could prove valuable in MS research.