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Astrocytes in chronic active multiple sclerosis plaques express MHC class II molecules
E Zeinstra1, N Wilczak, C Streefland
1Department of Neurology, Academisch Ziekenhuis Groningen, The Netherlands.
Neuroreport
|February 23, 2000
Summary
In multiple sclerosis (MS), astrocytes may present antigens. Researchers found astrocytes in active MS lesions express major histocompatibility (MHC) class II molecules, suggesting a role in disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Cellular Immunology
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves T cell recognition of myelin antigens presented by major histocompatibility (MHC) class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells.
- The in vivo expression of MHC class II molecules by astrocytes, a type of glial cell in the brain, is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether astrocytes express MHC class II molecules in vivo in the context of multiple sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Double-labeling immunohistochemistry was performed on postmortem brain samples.
- Samples included patients with MS, cerebral infarction, and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Astrocytes in control brains, normal-appearing MS white matter, and around infarcts were negative for MHC class II.
- A subset of astrocytes within active chronic MS plaques showed positive immunostaining for MHC class II.
Conclusions:
- Astrocytes in active chronic MS lesions express MHC class II molecules.
- This finding suggests astrocytes may function as antigen-presenting cells in multiple sclerosis, potentially contributing to the inflammatory cascade and demyelination.