Theiler's virus model of MS

A large number scientists in field rate Theiler's virus infection in a particular strain of mice as a disease that is very close to MS. 

Animals with this infection develop a progressive demyelinating condition.

Fingolimod is effective in MS and was therefore tried in this animal model of MS.

No significant differences were found in disability progression, viral load, and serum antibody responses between the Fingolimod-treated and placebo-treated mice.

"It is clear from this experiment that Theiler's is not MS. Fingolimod works the same in mice as it does in man so the results cannot be explained away on a different mechanism of action of the drug between man and mice. Interesting? Yes, our disease models are just that models and should be interpreted in that way."

Epub ahead of print: Li et al. The effect of FTY720 in the Theiler's virus model of multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci. 2011 Jul 2.

CoI: Nil

Additional readingTheiler's virusFingolimoddemyelination 

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