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Lack of autoantibody production associated with cytomegalovirus infection

Beth C Marshall1, Richard A McPherson, Eric Greidinger

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, USA.

Arthritis Research
|September 12, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and its vaccine do not frequently trigger autoantibodies like anti-Smith (Sm) or anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP). This study found no significant association between CMV status and these specific autoantibodies in healthy individuals or vaccinees.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Autoimmunity

Background:

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common human herpesvirus.
  • Autoantibodies, such as anti-Smith (Sm) and anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP), are associated with autoimmune diseases.
  • The potential link between CMV infection and autoantibody production requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and the presence of autoantibodies.
  • To determine if CMV infection or vaccination induces antibodies to Smith (Sm), ribonucleoprotein (RNP), and U1-70 kD antigens.

Main Methods:

  • Enzyme immunoassay and immunoblot techniques were used to measure antibodies.
  • Sera from 80 healthy subjects (CMV seropositive and seronegative) and 8 CMV vaccinees were analyzed.
  • Antibody levels were assessed at 4 and 12 months post-immunization in vaccinees.

Main Results:

  • No vaccinees developed antibodies to Sm, RNP, or U1-70 kD antigens after immunization.
  • No statistically significant association was found between CMV serostatus and antibodies to Sm or RNP.
  • Only one CMV seropositive and one CMV seronegative serum sample tested positive for U1-70 kD antibodies.

Conclusions:

  • Wild-type CMV infection does not frequently induce autoantibody production against Sm, RNP, or U1-70 kD.
  • The live-attenuated Towne CMV vaccine does not appear to induce these autoantibodies.
  • Current data suggest CMV is unlikely to be a common trigger for these specific autoantibodies.

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