Antigen recognition and pathomechanisms of MOG-Abs
Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is a membrane-anchored protein displayed on the outer surface of internodal myelin. This localization makes MOG principally accessible to auto-antibodies. Autoantibodies to MOG are detected in a proportion of patients with inflammatory disorders of the CNS. In this lecture, assays to detect MOG-Abs will be presented and methods to identify epitopes on MOG will be introduced. Strategies to explore possible pathogenic activities of MOG-Abs using in vitro and in vivo models will be outlined. Using affinity-purified MOG-Abs from selected patients and an intrathecal injection in a rat model of experimental autoimmune encephalitis pathogenic mechanisms could identified: MOG-Abs from patients synergize with T cells. MOG-Abs may mediate demyelination, if the blood-brain barrier is breached by T cells and may enhance local activation of cognate MOG-specific T cells.