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The association of the human herpesvirus-6 and MS
J E Friedman1, M J Lyons, G Cu
1Department of Neurology, NYU Medical Center, New York 10016, USA.
Abstract:
Given the clinical and pathological nature of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a viral infection has long been hypothesized as part of the etiology. In this study we investigated the possibility that the human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) is present in a dormant or active phase in the tissue of MS patients, specifically oligodendrocytes. Using PCR assays of MS and non-MS brain sections with primers prepared against the HHV-6 structural protein 101, the results demonstrated that 36% of MS brains were positive for the virus, while 13.5% of non-MS brains were positive. Antibody to the HHV-6 structural protein was also used in immunohistochemical experiments in brain tissue. 47% (7/15) of MS brains were positive for HHV-6, whereas 0/16 controls were positive. In addition, MS patients demonstrated high immune reactivity to this virus, even when compared to auto-immune diseases, which might cause polyclonal activation. Sera obtained from MS and control patients revealed that the IgM response to the HHV-6 virus was significantly elevated in 80% patients compared to 16% non-MS controls, P<.001. The above experiments strongly suggest that a significant number of MS brain samples contain HHV-6 antigens and genomic fragments in a dormant or active phase compared to control specimens and that MS patients mount a brisk, early IgM response.
Insights
Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) DNA and antigens were detected in multiple sclerosis (MS) brain tissue. MS patients also showed elevated IgM responses to HHV-6, suggesting a role for this virus in MS etiology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease with a suspected viral etiology.
- Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) is a potential candidate virus implicated in MS pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of HHV-6 in active or dormant phases within the brain tissue of MS patients.
- To assess immune responses to HHV-6 in individuals with MS.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays were used to detect HHV-6 genomic fragments in MS and non-MS brain sections.
- Immunohistochemistry was employed to identify HHV-6 structural protein antigens in brain tissue.
- Serum IgM responses to HHV-6 were measured in MS patients and control groups.
Main Results:
- HHV-6 DNA was detected in 36% of MS brains versus 13.5% of controls.
- HHV-6 antigens were found in 47% of MS brains compared to 0% of controls.
- Significantly elevated IgM responses to HHV-6 were observed in 80% of MS patients versus 16% of controls (P<.001).
Conclusions:
- These findings strongly suggest the presence of HHV-6 in MS brain samples, indicating a potential role in the disease.
- MS patients exhibit a robust early IgM immune response to HHV-6, further supporting its involvement in the disease process.