MOG (35-55) peptide, mouse

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is a type I integral membrane glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin superfamily (Ig) found exclusively in mammals. The 26-28 kDa protein is located on the external surface of the oligodendrocyte membrane, mostly on the peripheral lamellae of myelin sheaths of the Central nervous system (CNS). The immunodominant 35-55 epitope of MOG (MOG 35-55) is a primary target for both cellular and humoral immune responses1. Anti-MOG antibodies and the abnormal activation of encepalitogenic T cells upon recognition of MOG (35-55) peptide cause the destruction of myelin sheath during Multiple sclerosis (MS), a common inflammatory autoimmune disorder of the CNS. Although MOG is a minor component of the CNS, the 35-55 epitope of MOG (MOG 35-55) is strongly immunogenic and therefore is widely used for in vivo biological evaluation and immunological studies of the Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse animal model for T-cell-mediated inflammatory demyelinating autoimmune diseases of the CNS. Administration of MOG (35-55) peptide in mice produces anti-MOG antibodies that cause demyelination and a chronic Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. Anti-MOG antibodies are observed in cerebrospinal fluid (CFS) and the serum of MS pateints. There is a direct correlation between the severity of the MS symptomes and anti-MOG titers. The progression of Multiple sclerosis is rapid and relapses occur more frequently in presence of anti-MOG antibodies. Therefore, anti-MOG antibodies are an indicator for the prognosis and progression of Multiple sclerosis. They can be detected by MOG (35-55) epitope-coated ELISA for quantification. MOG (35-55)-induced EAE models can help elucidating the immunopathological mechanism of Multiple sclerosis and promote the developement of novel therapeutics. One therapeutic approach consists on the administration of a mixture of peptides, representing immunodominant epitopes of different myelin proteins including MOG peptide at a proper dose to modulate the immune response and induce tolerance.