Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in a Mouse Model

Source: Schmitz, K., et al. Bioluminescence and Near-infrared Imaging of Optic Neuritis and Brain Inflammation in the EAE Model of Multiple Sclerosis in Mice. J. Vis. Exp (2017). In this video, a mouse model of multiple sclerosis is established using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The mouse is injected with an emulsion containing a neuronal peptide and an adjuvant, triggering an immune response that activates autoreactive T cells. This is followed by an injection of pertussis toxin (PTX) to increase blood-brain barrier permeability, allowing the autoreactive T-cells to infiltrate the brain. This infiltration initiates a signaling cascade that ultimately results in myelin damage, mimicking the demyelinating condition of multiple sclerosis.