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Autoantibody reaction to myelin basic protein by plasma parvovirus B19 IgG in MS patients

Gregory Thomas1, Leonard Rael, Rick Shimonkevitz

  • 1Department of Trauma Research and Trauma Services, Swedish Medical Center, 501 E. Hampden Avenue, Englewood, CO 80113, USA.

Protein and Peptide Letters
|February 14, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Researchers investigated a potential link between parvovirus B19 infection and multiple sclerosis (MS). Autoantibodies to myelin basic protein (MBP) were studied in MS patients with high parvovirus IgG titers, suggesting a possible connection in a subset of cases.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Virology
  • Autoimmunity

Background:

  • The exact cause of multiple sclerosis (MS) is unknown.
  • Parvovirus B19 is a common human virus.
  • Autoantibodies may play a role in MS pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential production of autoantibodies against myelin basic protein (MBP) during parvovirus B19 infection.
  • To explore a possible etiological link between parvovirus B19 and multiple sclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed.
  • Plasma samples from multiple sclerosis patients with high IgG titers for parvovirus B19 were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The binding of IgG to parvovirus B19 antigen was decreased by the addition of MBP.
  • This decrease was observed in a dose-dependent manner, indicating a specific interaction.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest a potential association between parvovirus B19 infection and the development of multiple sclerosis in a subset of patients.
  • Autoantibodies to MBP may be involved in the immune response triggered by parvovirus B19 in these individuals.

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