The role of T-cells in a marmoset model for multiple sclerosis (MS)

It has been shown that immunisation with a protein part of the isolation layer of nerves can cause a MS-like disease in common marmosets. Researchers of the BPRC describe in ‘European Journal of Immunology’ the effects of this immunisation on the nervous system of the common marmoset

MS is characterised by local breakdown of parts of nerves in brain and spinal chord.
This breakdown has proven to be also present in a specific marmoset model.  In the article the cells that are responsible for this are characterised. These so-called T-cells normally destroy unwanted invaders of the body (virusses, bacteria etc.). However, in MS these cells attack the own body

It is possible that viral infections that are already present in the body are involved. As a result of the infection T-cells reach an activated state against certain proteins. It has been shown that a specific nerve derived protein is highly similar to a protein of a virus that is often chronically present in humans. It is also known that common marmosets can be chronically infected with a similar type of virus. The researchers now hypothesise that the T-cells that are active against this virus, can also cause nerve breakdown. To prove this and to obtain more clarity into the origin of MS further research is needed.