Alteration of the cytokine signature by various TLR ligands in different T cell populations in MOG37–50 and MOG35–55-induced EAE in C57BL/6 mice

•A similar cytokine phenotype - with CD4 + T cells as main producer - in the outgoing immune process of MOG37–50- and MOG35–55-induced EAE•Migratory activity supports an involvement of IL-17 and IFN-γ in the disease.•PAMPs – dependent on distinct factors - costimulated IL-17- and IFN-γ-producing cells.

Interleukin 17 (IL-17), produced by T cells, plays an important role in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE). In contrast to IL-17-producing CD4 + T cells, the contribution of IL-17-producing CD8 + T cells (Tc17) in CNS autoimmunity has been investigated less intensively. Here we investigate the role of TC17 in EAE. We compare different T cell populations and their cytokine pattern in the MOG35–55- and MOG37–50-induced EAE. We detected a similar cytokine phenotype for both EAE models in the autoimmune process assessed at different stages. Regarding the migratory activity, an involvement of IL-17 and IFN-γ in disease onset was suggested. Furthermore, we show that PAMPs have the ability to drive autoimmune process. To modify the cytokine pattern of different T cell populations, a combination of distinct factors is required (the activation of MyD88 or Syk, the genetic background, the presence of APCs and CD4 + T cells).