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Measles virus-specific plasma cells are prominent in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis CSF

G P Owens1, A M Ritchie, D H Gilden

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO 80262, USA. greg.owens@uchsc.edu

Neurology
|May 23, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

In subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), expanded plasma cells in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) generate measles virus (MV)-specific antibodies. These findings highlight CSF B cells as potential diagnostic tools for neurological disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, progressive neurological disorder associated with measles virus (MV) infection.
  • The role of specific B cell responses within the central nervous system (CNS) in SSPE pathogenesis remains incompletely understood.

Observation:

  • Plasma cells, identified by CD138 expression, showed significant clonal expansion in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of an SSPE patient.
  • Single-cell PCR analysis of IgG variable regions from these CSF plasma cells was performed.

Findings:

  • Four recombinant antibodies (rAbs) were generated from expanded CSF plasma cell clones.
  • All four rAbs demonstrated specific immunoreactivity against either the measles virus fusion (MVF) protein or the measles virus nucleocapsid (MVN) protein.

Implications:

  • Expanded plasma cell clones in the SSPE patient's CSF produce antibodies directly relevant to the disease.
  • Recombinant antibodies derived from CSF B cells represent a potential tool for identifying target antigens in idiopathic inflammatory disorders, including neurological conditions.

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