• T-cell-mediated mechanism: EAE involves an autoimmune attack on the central nervous system (CNS) similar to the immune response seen in MS, where T cells target myelin proteins.
• Demyelination and neuroinflammation: Like MS, EAE results in demyelination, neuroinflammation, and motor dysfunction, which can be used to evaluate the effects of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory treatments.
• Disease progression: EAE allows researchers to observe disease onset, progression, and clinical symptoms (such as paralysis and muscle weakness), providing insights into the mechanisms of MS.

Though EAE does not fully replicate all aspects of MS, particularly the chronic phase of the disease, it remains one of the most commonly used and validated models for MS research and drug development. In addition to the EAE mouse model, InnoSer offers research services using the Cuprizone, and Lysolecithin mouse models. While the EAE mouse model allows you to focus on the inflammatory component of MS, the Cuprizone and Lysolecithin models enable you to test the efficacy of compounds directed at remyelination.

However, as all models have their unique characteristics, we recommend discussing your study setup in close collaboration with our experts.  

Reach out to our experts to discuss which mouse model of MS is the most suitable for your research. 

• EAE-susceptible strains (e.g., C57BL/6) typically exhibit a Th1-type phenotype, characterized by the activation of pro-inflammatory T cells. These strains often show a more severe disease course, with faster onset and pronounced symptoms such as motor deficits and paralysis.
• EAE-resistant strains (e.g., BALB/c) generally have a Th2/Treg phenotype, which is associated with anti-inflammatory responses. These strains tend to exhibit a milder form of EAE, with delayed disease onset and less severe symptoms due to stronger regulatory T cell (Treg) activity and a greater production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.

The choice of mouse strain is crucial as it can influence the disease progression, immune cell response, and overall pathophysiology of the EAE model, making it essential for researchers to select the right strain based on their specific research objectives and the therapeutic mechanisms being studied. Reach out to our team to discuss and obtain guidance on selecting the optimal mouse strain for your EAE study.

Selecting the right readouts for your EAE study is essential for assessing the efficacy of your novel immunomodulatory therapeutics. At InnoSer, we recommend a selection of following readouts to use in your EAE studies:

• Clinical scoring of symptoms such as paralysis, gait abnormalities, and muscle weakness is a critical readout. This helps track disease progression and response to treatment. A commonly used scale is the neurological score to quantify motor function.
• Motor function tests (e.g., rotarod, grip strength) can be used to quantitatively assess neurological impairment and functional recovery in response to therapeutic interventions.
• Measuring levels of cytokines (e.g., IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10) helps you determine the Th1/Th2 balance and the nature of the immune response. Multiplex ELISA, meso-scale discovery (MSD), and/or flow cytometry can be further used for profiling cytokine secretion and immune cell activity in the EAE mouse model.
• Histopathology analyses performed by in-house veterinary pathologists allow you to assess the degree of inflammation and/or demyelination following treatment with your test compounds. This is essential for understanding the underlying mechanisms and validating the efficacy of your immunomodulatory compounds.

Reach out to our team to decide on the most suitable readout selection, keeping in mind your specific research goals, study timelines, and budgets.