Related Experiment Videos
Detection of coronavirus RNA and antigen in multiple sclerosis brain
1Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center, Englewood, CO 80110.
Abstract:
Epidemiological studies of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and animal model data support the hypothesis that viruses initiate the immunopathogenic events leading to demyelination in MS. There have been no reports, however, of consistent detection of viruses in MS central nervous system tissue. We probed MS and control brain with cDNA probes specific for human, murine, porcine, and bovine coronaviruses. We report the in situ hybridization detection of coronavirus RNA in 12 of 22 MS brain samples using cloned coronavirus cDNA probes. In addition, tissue was screened for coronavirus antigen by immunohistochemical methods; antigen was detected in two patients with rapidly progressive MS. Significant amounts of coronavirus antigen and RNA were observed in active demyelinating plaques from these two patients. These findings show that coronaviruses can infect the human central nervous system and raise the possibility that these viruses may contribute to the pathogenesis of MS in some patients.
Insights
Coronaviruses may infect the central nervous system and contribute to multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. Researchers detected coronavirus RNA and antigen in MS brain tissue, suggesting a potential viral role in this demyelinating disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Virology
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Epidemiological and animal studies suggest viruses initiate demyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- However, consistent detection of viruses in MS central nervous system (CNS) tissue has been lacking.
- This study investigates the potential role of coronaviruses in MS pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and role of coronaviruses in the central nervous system of multiple sclerosis patients.
- To determine if coronaviruses can be detected in MS brain tissue and correlate with disease activity.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization using cloned coronavirus cDNA probes to detect viral RNA in MS and control brain samples.
- Immunohistochemical methods to screen for coronavirus antigen in central nervous system tissue.
- Analysis of viral detection in relation to active demyelinating plaques.
Main Results:
- Coronavirus RNA was detected in 12 out of 22 multiple sclerosis brain samples.
- Coronavirus antigen was identified in two patients with rapidly progressive MS.
- Significant amounts of coronavirus antigen and RNA were found in active demyelinating plaques in these patients.
Conclusions:
- Coronaviruses can infect the human central nervous system.
- These findings suggest a potential contribution of coronaviruses to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis in some individuals.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise role of coronaviruses in MS.