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Human endogenous retrovirus type W envelope expression in blood and brain cells provides new insights into multiple

Hervé Perron1, Raphaëlle Germi, Corinne Bernard

  • 1GeNeuro, Geneva, Switzerland. hp@geneuro.com

Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|March 30, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The Human Endogenous Retroviral family W (HERV-W) envelope protein is strongly associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Elevated levels were found in MS patients' serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, confirming its link to the disease.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Retroviral Research
  • Human Endogenous Retroviruses

Background:

  • The envelope protein of the multiple sclerosis (MS) associated retroviral element (MSRV), a HERV-W family member, is implicated in immune dysfunction and inflammation.
  • Understanding the role of HERV-W/MSRV in MS pathogenesis is crucial for developing targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To confirm and specify the association between HERV-W/MSRV envelope (Env) expression and multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • To investigate the prevalence and levels of HERV-W Env in MS patients compared to various control groups.

Main Methods:

  • Immunoassay to detect Env in serum from 103 MS patients, 199 healthy controls (HC), and other disease cohorts.
  • Quantitative PCR to determine Env RNA/DNA copy numbers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).
  • Immunohistology to visualize Env in MS brain lesions.

Main Results:

  • Env antigen detected in 73% of MS patients' serum, significantly higher than in controls (p<0.01).
  • Significantly elevated Env RNA and DNA levels in MS patients' PBMC compared to HC (p<0.001).
  • Increased DNA copy numbers correlated with disease progression in MS, with distinct profiles across clinical forms.

Conclusions:

  • A strong association exists between MS and MSRV-type HERV-W, supported by ex-vivo and post-mortem brain lesion evidence.
  • Distinct ELISA and PCR profiles suggest increasing HERV-W involvement with MS disease progression.
  • Amplicon sequencing further confirms the specific association with particular HERV-W elements in MS.

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