Figure 3. EVA-deficient mice demonstrate VLA4-independent CNS invasion during EAE.

Flow cytometry analysis of mononuclear subsets from spinal cords of mice at onset of peak EAE (day 19) was performed. A–B. As predicted, total mononuclear cell counts (left y-axis) and percent CD4 invasion (right Y-axis) were reduced in wild type, litter-mate control mice treated with anti-VLA4. EVA-deficient mice demonstrated similar immune cell recruitment independent of treatment with control anti-HEL antibody or anti-VLA4. C. Percent differences in CD4, CD8, CD11b and CD19 populations were less marked between groups. There was a modest decrease in CD11b⁺ cells in spinal cords of EVA^−/− control treated mice as compared to the wild type control treatment group. Representative FACS plots are shown. Analysis of pooled data from multiple experiments is shown in Table 2.