Animal models for multiple sclerosis (MS), experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) are the most realistic. Studies have indicated that the genetic control of MS is complex and polygenic, but the genes associated with T cell-mediated immunity are prevalent. The latest study has involved collaboration among several institutes. Questions over the validity of the autoimmune hypothesis for MS have come from several different findings. Most important is the fact that most of the immunosuppressive regimens currently used for treating MS are partially effective in the early years of the disease, after which the efficacy decreases. The histology of the disease is also questionable. Studies on mitochondrial functions and abnormalities in MS are coming to the fore and suggest that there might be something in antioxidant therapies, even though such approaches in other neurodegenerative diseases have not met with great success yet.