[Theiler's virus encephalomyelitis infection as a model for multiple sclerosis: cytokines and pathogenic mechanisms]

Abstract

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) disease is induced following intracerebral inoculation of TMEV, a member of picornavirus family, in susceptible animals. The pathogenesis of paralytic syndrome is associated with a chronic progressive demyelinating disease characterized by perivascular of immune inflammatory cells. Although TMEV induced demyelinating disease (TMEV IDD) is initiated by virus specific CD4+ T cells targeting CNS persistent virus, CD4+ T cell responses against self myelin epitopes activated via epitope spreading contribute to chronic disease pathogenesis. In the present report we delineated possible pathogenic mechanisms related with inflammatory process, leading to demyelination and axonal loss. The importance of proinflammatory cytokines in sustaining the inflammatory process and cause direct oligodendrotoxicity is emphasized. Different approaches in therapeutic strategies affecting cytokines are also presented.