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Increased levels of APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand) mRNA in multiple sclerosis

Mathula Thangarajh1, Thomas Masterman, Uros Rot

  • 1Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden. Mathula.Thangarajh@neurotec.ki.se

Journal of Neuroimmunology
|August 10, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves B cells, with elevated APRIL mRNA in immune cells of patients. This suggests increased APRIL, a B-cell survival promoter, may contribute to MS pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • B cells are crucial in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis, but their exact role remains unclear.
  • APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand) is a key factor promoting B-cell survival.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of APRIL in multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • To measure APRIL mRNA and protein levels in MS patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Quantified APRIL mRNA levels in peripheral blood monocytes and T cells.
  • Measured soluble APRIL protein levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
  • Compared levels between MS patients (relapsing-remitting and chronic progressive) and controls.

Main Results:

  • APRIL mRNA levels were significantly higher in monocytes and T cells of MS patients compared to controls.
  • Soluble APRIL protein levels in plasma were elevated in chronic progressive MS patients versus relapsing-remitting MS patients, though not significantly.

Conclusions:

  • Increased APRIL transcription in peripheral blood may contribute to B-cell survival in MS.
  • APRIL is a potential factor implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.

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