The myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) : a model for antibody-mediated demyelination in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis
Stefferl, A.; Brehm, U.; Linington, C.
Journal of Neural Transmission. Supplementum 2000(58): 123-133
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0303-6995 PMID: 11128602 Document Number: 524094
The myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is a major target for autoantibody mediated demyelination in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In the current review we discuss the epitope specificity of this antibody response, in particular evidence suggesting that pathogenic anti-MOG antibodies are preferentially directed against conformation-dependent epitopes present on the extracellular immunoglobulin domain of the protein. Surprisingly, recent data suggest that this autoimmune response is in part regulated by polymorphisms in the MOG gene itself, an observation that may have important implications for the genetic and immunological stratification of patients with multiple sclerosis.