Specificity, magnitude, and kinetics of MOG-specific CD8+ T cell responses during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) has traditionally been thought to be almost exclusively mediated by CD4+ effector T cells. Here, we provide evidence for the existence of mouse CD8+ T cells that are specific for an epitope of the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG). Using a panel of truncated MOG peptides, we have identified the minimal epitope recognized by these T cells as MOG 37-46. This peptide, while possessing relatively low affinity for H-2D(b), efficiently stimulates IFN-gamma production from MOG-specific CD8+ T cell lines in vitro and induces EAE in vivo. To further characterize the magnitude and kinetics of expansion of the MOG-specific CD8+ T cell population in vivo, we used MOG 37-50/H-2D(b) MHC tetramers to visualize MOG-specific CD8+ effectors in the peripheral lymphoid organs and central nervous system during the course of EAE induction and progression. Our results identify MOG-specific CD8+ T cells in the central nervous system prior to and after the onset of disease, suggesting that CD8+ T cells are a possible target for therapeutic intervention during EAE.