Oligodendrocytes

MBP plays an important role in the process of myelination by interacting with the lipids of the myelin membrane and maintaining the correct structure of myelin. Mice deficient in MBP demonstrate decreased CNS myelination leading to progressive disorders characterized by seizures and tremors. Autoreactive antibodies against MBP have been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of MS, highlighting the importance of this target in the CNS. BioLegend offers several monoclonal antibodies (P82H9, SMI 94, SMI 99) for detection of MBP. These clones, along with clone SMI 91, are effective for IHC and WB. They are particularly useful for IHC studies on the progression of normal and pathological myelination and OD development.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease that is caused by the destruction of myelin sheaths and demyelination of axons. Maintaining the balance between effector and regulatory T cells (Tregs) plays an important role in the development of MS. An imbalance favoring effector T cells can often lead to a hyperactive immune system resulting in inflammation, tissue damage, and destruction. In MS patients, an increase in the number of effector Th1 and Th17 cells, and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α) have been reported. Furthermore, lower thymic production of Treg cells and a decreased diversity in the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire attributed to defects in transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling has been observed in MS patients (1). TGF-β, a highly expressed cytokine in the CNS, has been shown to positively regulate the differentiation of naïve CD4⁺ T cells into CD4⁺ CD25⁺FOXP3⁺ Treg cells, and lead to adequate recognition and suppression of immune responses to self-proteins such as myelin. In contrast to myelin sheath damage caused by CNS infiltrating effector T cells, Treg cells demonstrate regenerative properties, and have emerged as mediators of oligodendrocyte differentiation and (re)myelination, thus promoting tissue regeneration and resolution of inflammation (2). These findings highlight the cooperative function of signaling molecules and immune cells in regulating the immune response and prevention of disease development.

References:
1. Lee PW, et al. 2017. Eur. J. Immunol. 47:446. Pubmed
2. Dombrowski Y, et al. 2017. Nat Neurosci. 20:674. Pubmed