A role for mast cells (MC) in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been suggested, based on the analysis of human lesions and on an
animal model of the disease (EAE). What role MC play in the development of MS is not well understood. We hypothesized that the link
connecting MC with demyelinating diseases may be represented by their interaction with myelin. Here we show that myelin can activate mast
cells. This process could be a key event in the mast cell function required for inducing EAE in mice and possibly in MS in man
