The role of CD8+ T-cells in lesion formation and axonal dysfunction in multiple sclerosis

Neurol Res. 2006 Apr;28(3):256-61. doi: 10.1179/016164106X98125.

Abstract

The etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains unknown. However, both genetic and environmental factors play important roles in its pathogenesis. While demyelination of axons is a hallmark histological feature of MS, axonal and neuronal dysfunction may correlate better with clinical disability. All major immune cell types have been implicated in the pathogenesis of MS, with the CD4+ T-cells being the most commonly studied. In this review, we discuss the involvement of CD8+ T-cells in MS. In addition, we review the contribution of CD8+ T-cells to the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) and Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) mouse models of MS, including the concept of CD8+ T-cell mediated axonal damage.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axons / pathology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology*