Anti-heat shock protein 90beta antibodies are detected in patients with multiple sclerosis during remission

Antibodies against heat shock protein 90beta (Hsp90beta) recognize the antigen on the surface of oligodendrocyte precursor cells and induce a decrease in the oligodendrocyte population of cell cultures. This study investigated the presence of anti-Hsp90beta antibodies in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) during remission. Anti-Hsp90beta antibodies were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with a specific and sensitive western blot procedure using Hsp90beta from cell membrane fraction. The number of patients with anti-Hsp90beta antibodies detected in the CSF was significantly greater in MS patients than in control patients with other neurological diseases, which included patients with other inflammatory neurological diseases. CSF anti-Hsp90beta antibody levels were significantly higher in MS patients than in control patients. The presence of anti-Hsp90beta antibodies in the CSF of MS patients during remission could suggest a potential pathogenic role for these autoantibodies in MS.