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[Endogenous retroviruses in multiple sclerosis]
T Christensen1, P D Sørensen, H J Hansen
1Institut for Medicinsk Mikrobiologi & Immunologi, Bioteknologisk Institut, Hørsholm, Aarhus Universitet. tc@microbiology.au.dk
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) may be involved in multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers found HERV-H sequences in MS patients, suggesting HERV activation could play a role in MS pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Genetics
Context:
- Autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), are increasingly linked to human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs).
- HERVs are implicated as both susceptibility factors and potential pathogenic agents in MS.
- This study aimed to characterize retroviruses from MS cell lines and explore their in vivo association.
Purpose:
- To identify and characterize retroviral sequences in multiple sclerosis (MS) patient samples.
- To investigate the presence and potential role of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in MS pathogenesis.
- To assess the immune response to retroviral particles in an animal model.
Summary:
- Retroviral particles from MS cell lines and patient blood samples were analyzed using RT-PCR.
- Sequence analysis revealed variants homologous to the HERV-H family, specifically detected in MS patient plasma.
- Immunization of rats with purified virions elicited a serological response to HERV-H peptides, confirming immunogenicity.
Impact:
- Findings suggest that the activation of normally quiescent HERVs may be a causal factor in the development of MS.
- Identifies HERV-H as a potential target for understanding MS etiology.
- Provides evidence for the immunogenic nature of HERVs in the context of MS.