Question

Which features of Theiler's virus-induced CNS disease make it a useful model for MS? a. The animals develop chronic and//or relapsing paralytic symptoms. b. Both diseases are under multigenic control by immune response genes. c. Both are predominantly TH-1 mediated disorders. d. B-cell infiltration predominates in Theiler's virus induced disease. e. a f. \(a\) \& b g. a, b \& c h. a, b, c \& d

Short answer

Answer: a, b & c (Paralytic symptoms, multigenic control by immune response genes, TH-1 mediated disorders)

Step-by-step solution

1. Understand Multiple Sclerosis (MS) characteristics

MS is a chronic inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that leads to neurological disabilities. It has relapsing-remitting patterns and is associated with immune system aberrations.

2. Evaluate option a: Paralytic symptoms

In Theiler's virus-induced CNS disease, animals develop chronic and/or relapsing paralytic symptoms, similar to the relapsing-remitting pattern observed in MS. This option shares a feature with MS, making it a suitable model, so this answer is part of the correct choice.

3. Evaluate option b: Multigenic control by immune response genes

Both diseases are under multigenic control by immune response genes, making this a feature shared by Theiler's virus-induced CNS disease and MS. This makes the disease model more relevant to the study of MS, so this answer is part of the correct choice.

4. Evaluate option c: TH-1 mediated disorders

Both diseases are predominantly TH-1 mediated disorders. The involvement of the immune system, including T cells, is typical of both conditions. This shared characteristic makes the model relevant for studying MS, so this answer is part of the correct choice.

5. Evaluate option d: B-cell infiltration

B-cell infiltration is not a predominant feature in Theiler's virus-induced CNS disease. This option does not share a common characteristic with MS, and therefore, it's not relevant for an ideal model of MS.

6. Identify the correct answer

Based on the evaluation of each option, the correct answer is g. a, b & c, as these features make Theiler's virus-induced CNS disease a useful model for MS. Other options either do not share common characteristics with MS or do not add any additional relevant features.

Key concepts

Multiple Sclerosis characteristics

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system (CNS) predominantly. This disease is marked by the immune system mistakenly attacking the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers, leading to a range of neurological symptoms and disabilities. MS patients may experience visual disturbances, muscle weakness, coordination issues, and cognitive impairments.

The course of MS can vary among individuals, with some facing a relapsing-remitting pattern where symptoms flare up intermittently, followed by periods of remission. Others may endure a progressive worsening of symptoms over time. Due to its complex nature and the significant variation in its progression and severity, studying MS requires comprehensive models that mirror its multifaceted characteristics.

Immune response genes

Immune response genes play a pivotal role in the development of autoimmune conditions like MS. These genes hold the blueprint for the immune system's operation, dictating the behavior of immune cells and their response to both external pathogens and internal signals. In the context of MS, particular gene variations can influence the likelihood of developing the disease and can impact its severity and progression.

Understanding how these genes modulate the immune response is crucial for unraveling the complex interactions involved in autoimmune pathology. In the case of Theiler's virus-induced CNS disease model, studying the multigenic control by these immune response genes provides insights into how they may contribute to MS and highlights potential therapeutic targets for intervention and treatment of the disease.

TH-1 mediated disorders

TH-1, or T-helper 1, is a type of immune cell that plays a significant role in the body's defense against intracellular bacteria and viruses. However, in autoimmune diseases like MS, TH-1 cells can be involved in the inappropriate immune response leading to tissue damage. TH-1 mediated disorders are characterized by an overactivation of these cells, which can result in chronic inflammation and the subsequent destruction of body tissues.

Conditions that involve such TH-1 responses are typically associated with a potent inflammatory component, and managing these responses is key to controlling the disease progression. Theiler's virus-induced CNS disease is also predominantly a TH-1 mediated disorder, which is why it serves as a relevant model for studying MS, providing insight into the mechanisms that drive the immune-mediated damage to the nervous system.