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Updated: Apr 17, 2026
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection
Published on: February 7, 2019
Detection of JCPyV microRNA in blood and urine samples of multiple sclerosis patients under natalizumab therapy
Irene Giovannelli1, Francesco Martelli1, Anna Repice2
1Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 48, 50134, Florence, Italy.
Abstract:
Polyomavirus JC (JCPyV) reactivation and development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a health concern in multiple sclerosis patients under natalizumab therapy. Here, the JCPyV microRNA-J1-3p and microRNA-J1-5p expressions and genomic variability were investigated in blood and urine samples of multiple sclerosis patients before and under natalizumab therapy and in healthy controls. The two JCPyV microRNAs were detected in the JCPyV-DNA-positive peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples and in the exosomes derived from plasma and urine obtained from JCPyV-DNA-positive and JCPyV-DNA-negative patients. In particular, the increased JCPyV microRNA expression in samples of multiple sclerosis patients under natalizumab therapy was consistent with the high JCPyV-DNA positivity observed in these samples. Moreover, JCPyV microRNA genomic region showed few nucleotide differences in samples obtained from blood and urine of multiple sclerosis patients and healthy controls. Overall, these data suggest a potential role of the JCPyV microRNA expression in counteracting the viral reactivation to maintain JCPyV asymptomatic persistence in the host.
Insights
Polyomavirus JC (JCPyV) microRNAs may help control viral reactivation in multiple sclerosis patients on natalizumab therapy. Increased JCPyV microRNA expression correlates with viral DNA presence, suggesting a role in maintaining asymptomatic infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neuroimmunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a risk for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients on natalizumab.
- JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) reactivation drives PML, posing a significant health concern.
- Understanding JCPyV's role in MS patients under therapy is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate JCPyV microRNA (miRNA) expression (J1-3p and J1-5p) and genomic variability.
- To analyze these factors in MS patients before and during natalizumab therapy versus healthy controls.
- To explore the potential role of JCPyV miRNAs in viral persistence.
Main Methods:
- Detection of JCPyV microRNAs in blood and urine samples.
- Analysis of JCPyV DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
- Investigation of JCPyV miRNA presence in exosomes from plasma and urine.
- Sequencing of the JCPyV microRNA genomic region.
Main Results:
- JCPyV microRNAs were detected in JCPyV-DNA-positive PBMCs and exosomes from plasma and urine.
- Increased JCPyV microRNA expression was observed in MS patients on natalizumab, correlating with JCPyV DNA positivity.
- Minimal nucleotide differences were found in the JCPyV microRNA genomic region across patient groups.
Conclusions:
- JCPyV microRNA expression may play a role in regulating viral reactivation.
- These findings suggest a potential mechanism for maintaining asymptomatic JCPyV persistence.
- Further research into JCPyV miRNAs could inform PML risk management in MS patients.
