Identification of autoantibodies associated with myelin damage in multiplesclerosis

The molecular mechanisms underlying myelin sheath destruction in multiple s clerosis lesions remain unresolved. With immunogold-labeled peptides of mye lin antigens and high-resolution microscopy, techniques that can detect ant igen-specific antibodies in situ, we have identified autoantibodies specifi c for the central nervous system myelin antigen myelin/oligodendrocyte glyc oprotein. These autoantibodies were specifically bound to disintegrating my elin around axons in lesions of acute multiple sclerosis and the marmoset m odel of allergic encephalomyelitis. These findings represent direct evidenc e that autoantibodies against a specific myelin protein mediate target memb rane damage in central nervous system demyelinating disease.