A 4-week study of a mouse multiple sclerosis (MS) model capturing the pathophysiology of autoimmunity and neuroinflammation

ASGCT 2025 -- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating, chronic, neurological autoimmune disorder affecting 1 in 3,000 people caused by the loss of myelin, and manifests in symptoms ranging from mild to severe paralysis. MS can significantly impact mobility and coordination, leading to difficulties with walking, standing and balance. The primary event leading to symptomatic pathology is the infiltration of peripheral immune cells that have been primed against components of myelin sheath. Peripheral immune cells, primarily T and B lymphocytes and macrophages, infiltrate into the central nervous system (CNS) parenchyma leading to demyelination and neuroaxonal degeneration. The complex nature of MS makes it difficult to fully replicate the human disease. Therefore, the aim of our study was to establish a reproducible MS rodent model that mimics the serum activity and anatomic pathology of the human disease. The overarching goal of providing this model to Labcorp’s discovery, biotech and pharmaceutical partners is aimed at providing the millions afflicted with MS the potential for new autoimmune focused therapies and a healthier life.