An Assay that Predicts In Vivo Efficacy for DNA Aptamers that Stimulate Remyelination in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disease for which regenerative therapies are sought. We have previously described human antibodies and DNA aptamer-streptavidin conjugates that promote remyelination after systemic injection into mice infected by Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus. Here, we report an in vitro assay of myelin binding with results that correlate with remyelination outcome in vivo, as shown for data from a set of DNA aptamer complexes of different size and formulation. This in vitro assay will be valuable for future screening of MS regenerative therapies targeting remyelination. Keywords: multiple sclerosis, aptamer, myelin, oligodendrocyte, regeneration