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Measles antibodies and autoantibodies in autoimmune disorders
Abstract:
Measles CF antibodies have been examined in the sera of patients with a variety of clinical disorders associated with the production of autoantibodies. Previous reports of high-titre reactions in DLE and chronic active hepatitis have been confirmed, the titres in the latter disorder being particularly elevated. Mean antibody titres to measles in patients with rheumatoid arthritis were significantly lower than in matched controls, and an inverse correlation between measles antibody levels and serum globulin levels was found. Measles antibody titres in patients with myasthenia gravis and primary biliary cirrhosis did not differ significantly from those found in controls. However, subdivision of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis and primary biliary cirrhosis showed that the presence of anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) was associated with significantly increased measles antibody levels compared with the ANA-negative sera. The presence of gastric parietal cell antibody or thyroid microsomal antibody did not appear to be associated with increased measles antibody levels, whether or not they occurred in association with previous anaemia or thyroid disease. Possible explanations for these findings in terms of immune complex formation and immune hyper-reactivity are discussed.
Insights
Measles antibodies were studied in autoimmune diseases. While some conditions showed higher levels, rheumatoid arthritis patients had lower measles antibody titers, especially those without anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Autoimmunity
- Virology
Background:
- Autoantibodies are characteristic of several autoimmune disorders.
- Previous studies suggested a link between measles antibodies and certain autoimmune conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate measles complement fixation (CF) antibody titers in patients with various autoimmune disorders.
- To explore correlations between measles antibody levels and specific autoantibodies, serum globulin levels, and clinical conditions.
Main Methods:
- Sera from patients with autoimmune diseases and matched controls were tested for measles CF antibodies.
- Statistical analyses were performed to compare antibody titers and identify correlations.
Main Results:
- High measles antibody titers were confirmed in patients with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and chronic active hepatitis.
- Patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed significantly lower measles antibody titers compared to controls, with an inverse correlation to serum globulin levels.
- The presence of anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) was associated with significantly increased measles antibody levels in rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, and primary biliary cirrhosis patients.
Conclusions:
- Measles antibody levels vary significantly across different autoimmune disorders.
- The presence of ANA may be linked to altered measles antibody responses in certain autoimmune conditions.
- Findings suggest complex interactions between measles virus, autoantibody production, and immune regulation in autoimmune diseases.