Neuroinflammation in cortical and meningeal pathology in multiple sclerosis: understanding from animal models

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative and inflammatory disease usually presenting with acute demyelinating events that can start as, or progress to, chronic damage. The development of animal experimental models, specific for each stage of MS will aid in the design of new drugs specific for the different forms of the disease. Animal models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis successfully reflect the pathophysiological mechanisms of the early phases of MS. However, few models resemble the features of the progressive forms of MS such as cortical demyelination and meningeal inflammation. Recently, a few auspicious animal models recapitulating many of the characteristics of progressive MS, aimed at a better understanding of the pathology of these forms of the disease, have been developed. In this review, we will summarize the latest developments in animal models reflecting the cortical and meningeal pathological features of progressive MS, as well as their response to drugs specifically targeting these forms.