Adoptive transfer of murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in SJL.Thy-1 congenic mouse strains.

For the purpose of tracking the migration of donor T cells in chronic relapsing EAE (CREAE), a Thy-1 congenic mouse strain on the SJL genetic background was generated. T cells from these distinguished from those of SJL (Thy-1.2+) by staining with specific anti-Thy-1 antibodies. In adoptive EAE, SJL.Thy-1a mice exhibited similar chronic remitting and relapsing cycles as in SJL mice. Reciprocal transfer of adoptive EAE had also been successfully carried out between the two Thy-1 disparate strains. The lack of alloreactivity against the Thy-1 antigen was further demonstrated by the absence of reactivity in the vitro mixed lymphocyte cultures and in vivo skin graft rejection between the two strains. The establishment of the SJL.Thy-1a mouse strain should prove to be a valuable tool for further dissecting the complex process of relapsing EAE.