Multiple sclerosis therapy and Epstein-Barr virus antibody titres

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Neurology
• Virology

Background:

• Anti-Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen-1 (anti-EBNA-1) IgG antibody titres correlate with multiple sclerosis (MS) disease activity.
• The impact of disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) on anti-EBNA-1 IgG titres remains undetermined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of interferon-beta and natalizumab on anti-EBNA-1 IgG titres in relapsing-remitting MS patients.
• To assess the utility of anti-EBNA-1 IgG as a biomarker for disease activity during DMD treatment.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative ELISA was used to measure anti-EBNA-1 IgG titres.
• Prospective sera from MS patients treated with interferon-beta or natalizumab were analyzed.
• Titres were compared before and after therapy, and changes over 12 months were assessed.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in anti-EBNA-1 IgG titres was observed before and after treatment with either interferon-beta or natalizumab.
• There were no significant differences in the mean percentage change of anti-EBNA-1 IgG titres between the treatment groups over 12 months.

Conclusions:

• Anti-EBNA-1 IgG titre is unlikely to serve as a reliable surrogate marker for disease activity in MS patients receiving DMDs.
• Further research may be needed to identify accurate biomarkers for MS disease activity in patients on DMDs.