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Herpes simplex virus and the rheumatic diseases
A M Denman1, B K Pelton, W Hylton
1Division of Immunological Medicine, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, Middlesex, UK.
Rheumatology International
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Researchers investigated a viral cause for rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory diseases. While indirect evidence exists, direct proof remains elusive, with some inconsistent findings regarding herpes simplex virus DNA in Behcet's disease patients.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- A viral etiology for rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory connective tissue diseases has been long suspected.
- Previous research has explored viral growth patterns, interferon-induced enzyme concentrations, and DNA hybridization in affected lymphocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential viral causes of rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory connective tissue diseases.
- To evaluate indirect and direct evidence for viral involvement in these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Studying viral growth patterns in patient lymphocytes.
- Analyzing lymphocyte concentrations of the interferon-induced enzyme 2-5 oligo-adenylate synthetase (2-5 A).
- Probing Southern blots of lymphocyte DNA with viral probes.
Main Results:
- Indirect evidence consistent with a viral etiology was found in several diseases.
- Direct proof has been difficult to obtain.
- Inconsistent findings suggest possible herpes simplex viral (HSV) DNA presence in Behcet's blood lymphocytes.
Conclusions:
- A definitive viral etiology for rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory connective tissue diseases remains unproven.
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a potential, though inconsistently detected, factor.
- Viruses like HSV may act as promoters of abnormal lymphoproliferation in susceptible individuals, possibly linked to DNA repair defects.