Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis is a good model of multiple sclerosis if used wisely

D Baker, S Amor - Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, 2014 - Elsevier
D Baker, S Amor
Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, 2014Elsevier
Although multiple sclerosis is a uniquely human disease, many pathological features can be
induced in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models following induction of
central nervous system-directed autoimmunity. Whilst it is an imperfect set of models, EAE
can be used to identify pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutics. However, the failure to
translate many treatments from EAE into human benefit has led some to question the validity
of the EAE model. Whilst differences in biology between humans and other species may …
Abstract
Although multiple sclerosis is a uniquely human disease, many pathological features can be induced in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models following induction of central nervous system-directed autoimmunity. Whilst it is an imperfect set of models, EAE can be used to identify pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutics. However, the failure to translate many treatments from EAE into human benefit has led some to question the validity of the EAE model. Whilst differences in biology between humans and other species may account for this, it is suggested here that the failure to translate may be considerably influenced by human activity. Basic science contributes to failings in aspects of experimental design and over-interpretation of results and lack of transparency and reproducibility of the studies. Importantly issues in trial design by neurologists and other actions of the pharmaceutical industry destine therapeutics to failure and terminate basic science projects. However animal, particularly mechanism-orientated, studies have increasingly identified useful treatments and provided mechanistic ideas on which most hypothesis-led clinical research is based. Without EAE and other animal studies, clinical investigations will continue to be “look-see” exercises, which will most likely provide more misses than hits and will fail the people with MS that they aim to serve.
Elsevier