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The role of the Epstein-Barr virus receptor CD21 in multiple sclerosis

Nicole Toepfner1, Sabine Cepok, Verena Grummel

  • 1Department of Neurology, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.

Journal of Neuroimmunology
|December 6, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Multiple Sclerosis patients exhibit altered soluble CD21 receptor levels, similar to other autoimmune diseases. However, the CD21 gene itself does not appear to play a specific role in MS susceptibility.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Virology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) involves chronic inflammation and demyelination with unknown causes.
  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is implicated in MS pathogenesis.
  • CD21 (complement receptor type 2) is the EBV receptor and its soluble form (sCD21) is investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of CD21 in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis.
  • To analyze serum concentrations of soluble CD21 (sCD21) in MS patients.
  • To explore the CD21 gene's association with MS susceptibility and altered sCD21 levels.

Main Methods:

  • Serum sCD21 concentrations were measured in MS patients and healthy controls.
  • Exon sequencing of the CD21 gene was performed.
  • Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CD21 gene were identified and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • MS patients showed decreased serum sCD21 levels compared to controls.
  • sCD21 levels further decreased in MS patients undergoing beta-interferon (ß-IFN) treatment.
  • New and known SNPs in the CD21 gene were identified, but none were associated with MS.

Conclusions:

  • Altered sCD21 expression in MS patients mirrors findings in other autoimmune diseases.
  • The CD21 gene does not show a specific association with MS susceptibility.
  • The study suggests sCD21 alterations are a feature of MS, but not driven by specific CD21 gene variations.

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