The myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG): a model for antibody-mediated demyelination in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis

The myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is a major target for autoant ibody mediated demyelination in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis ( EAE). In the current review we discuss the epitope specificity of this anti body response, in particular evidence suggesting that pathogenic anti-MOG a ntibodies are preferentially directed against conformation-dependent epitop es present on the extracellular immunoglobulin domain of the protein. Surpr isingly, recent data suggest that this autoimmune response is in part regul ated by polymorphisms in the MOG gene itself, an observation that may have important implications for the genetic and immunological stratification of patients with multiple sclerosis.