Animal models of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifaceted inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Numerous distinct animal models have been developed in different species: models induced by immunization against CNS proteins or by infection with neurotropic virus or spontaneous transgenic or humanized models. Although none adequately represents all facets of human MS, most do reflect specific aspects of the human disease and can be used to different degrees to evaluate new treatments of MS.

Section editor:Wolfgang Wurst – Institute of Developmental Genetics, GSF Research Centre, Neuherberg, Germany