Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and kits for identifying clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) patients at high risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS).

Abstract: A novel method of defining oligopeptides is provided for determining useful immunodominant sequences for use as vaccines for pathogens. The method involves identifying sequences by particular selection procedures and using such sequences with antigen-presenting cells and T-cells to demonstrate activation of the common histocompatibility antigens DQ and DR in humans and their analogs in other animals. The oligopeptides may then be used individually or in combination to produce safe and effective vaccines, where genes may be prepared encoding the oligopeptides and used for expression of the oligopeptides or combinations of the oligopeptides or the gene transformed into the appropriate host, e.g., B. pertussis, for use as a vaccine to the intact organism.