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Antibody to myelin-associated glycoprotein reacts with plasma cells in mice
Abstract:
A recent study on the relative disappearance of MAG versus MBP in primary and recurrent lesions of Theiler's infection had shown that numerous mononuclear cells in meninges and perivascular spaces specifically bound anti-MAG antibody. The present study was undertaken to clarify the nature of these cells. Immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy were done on serial sections of affected spinal cords. In addition sequential immunofluorescence and HRP immunocytochemistry were performed on single sections of spinal cords and spleens from normal mice and mice with Theiler's infection and EAE. Results indicate that cells binding anti-MAG antibody are plasma cells and that they are present in both normal and diseased animals.
Insights
Researchers identified plasma cells as the mononuclear cells binding anti-MAG antibody in Theiler
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Cellular Biology
- Immunopathology
Background:
- Previous studies noted mononuclear cells binding anti-MAG antibody in Theiler's infection lesions.
- The identity of these anti-MAG antibody-binding cells remained unclear.
- Myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and myelin basic protein (MBP) dynamics were previously studied in Theiler's infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the specific cell type that binds anti-MAG antibody in the central nervous system.
- To investigate the presence of these cells in both normal and diseased conditions.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy on spinal cord sections.
- Sequential immunofluorescence and HRP immunocytochemistry on spinal cord and spleen sections.
- Analysis of samples from normal mice and mice with Theiler's infection and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).
Main Results:
- Cells binding anti-MAG antibody were identified as plasma cells.
- These plasma cells were detected in both normal and experimentally infected animals.
- The study clarifies the cellular infiltrate associated with MAG in neurological conditions.
Conclusions:
- Plasma cells are the primary cells in the meninges and perivascular spaces that bind anti-MAG antibody.
- The presence of anti-MAG antibody-binding plasma cells is not exclusive to disease states.
- This finding contributes to understanding immune cell interactions with myelin components in the CNS.