Distinct patterns of gene transcription in relapsing autoimmune encephalomyelitis: differences between first and second disease episode

Introduction: The pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis is marked by an early inflammatory and secondary neurodegenerative phase with axonal loss causing permanent disability. Immuno-modulatory therapies are partially effective at early stages while neuroprotective treatment is not available. To identify new therapeutic targets we compared transcriptional patterns of in-flammatory vs. neurodegenerative disease phases in a rat model of relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Methods: EAE was induced in female Dark Agouti rats (n=30) by immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (rMOG 1–…