Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) – Preclinical Models of Autoimmune Neuropathy
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an acute, immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy characterized by rapidly progressive muscle weakness and areflexia. GBS is often triggered by infections, and its pathogenesis involves aberrant immune responses against peripheral nerve components, particularly gangliosides, leading to demyelination and axonal damage.
To support preclinical development of therapies for GBS and related neuropathies, Redoxis offers Experimental Autoimmune Neuritis (EAN) models—widely accepted animal models that recapitulate key features of GBS, including peripheral nerve inflammation, demyelination, and ascending paralysis.
These models are based on active immunization with peripheral nerve antigens or adoptive transfer of autoreactive T cells. Disease progression is clinically monitored using standardized motor scoring and can be further characterized by histopathology of peripheral nerves and ex vivo immune assays.
EAN – Experimental Autoimmune Neuritis (Rat)
The EAN model is induced in Lewis rats by immunization with myelin-derived peptides such as P2 or P0 emulsified in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant. Disease typically manifests 10–12 days post-immunization with flaccid tail, hind limb weakness, and in severe cases, complete limb paralysis. The disease is monophasic and self-limiting, mirroring the acute onset and resolution seen in many GBS patients.
EAN is mediated by CD4⁺ T cells and macrophages, with a strong Th1/Th17 cytokine profile. Peripheral nerve histology shows inflammatory infiltrates, demyelination, and axonal damage. This model is suitable for evaluating immune-modulating therapies targeting T cells, cytokines, or peripheral nerve pathology.
Key Features:
- Induced by immunization with P2 or P0 myelin peptides
- Monophasic disease with ascending paralysis
- Strong CD4⁺ T cell and macrophage involvement
- Histological confirmation of peripheral demyelination
- Suitable for testing anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agents
- Allows ex vivo restimulation assays from draining lymph nodes to measure antigen-specific responses (e.g., IFN-γ, IL-17)
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Nina Woodworth
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