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Anti-hsp60 antibody responses based on Helicobacter pylori in patients with multiple sclerosis: (ir)Relevance to
Georgios Efthymiou1, Efthymios Dardiotis2, Christos Liaskos3
1Cellular Immunotherapy & Molecular Immunodiagnostics, Biomedical Section, Centre for Research and Technology-Hellas (CERTH), Institute for Research and Technology-Thessaly (IRETETH), 41222 Larissa, Greece; Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 40500 Larissa, Greece; Department of Rheumatology, University General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, 41110 Larissa, Greece.
Abstract:
In view of published data suggesting that Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is a trigger of multiple sclerosis (MS), we assessed anti-heat shock protein 60 (hsp60)Hp antibody reactivity in 129 MS patients and 48 demograpically-matched healthy controls (HCs). Anti-Hp antibodies by ELISA were more elevated in MS than HCs but did not differ between different MS phenotypes. All anti-Hp-positive MS sera, irrespectively of their clinical phenotype, were anti-anti-hsp60 positive. Anti-hsp60 Hp seropositivity correlated with age at disease onset. In conclusion, anti-hsp60 Hp antibodies are present in all anti-Hp positive MS patients, and their relevance to disease pathogenesis is questionable.
Insights
This study investigated Helicobacter pylori (Hp) antibodies in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. While elevated anti-Hp antibodies were found in MS, their link to disease pathogenesis, specifically anti-heat shock protein 60 Hp antibodies, remains uncertain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Microbiology
- Autoimmunity
Background:
- Emerging research suggests Helicobacter pylori (Hp) may trigger multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Heat shock protein 60 (hsp60) is a potential target in Hp-related autoimmunity.
- Understanding the Hp-MS connection requires investigating specific antibody responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess anti-hsp60 Hp antibody reactivity in MS patients and healthy controls (HCs).
- To explore the correlation between anti-Hp/anti-hsp60 Hp antibodies and MS clinical phenotypes.
- To evaluate the potential role of these antibodies in MS pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure anti-Hp and anti-hsp60 Hp antibody levels.
- 129 MS patients and 48 demographically-matched HCs were included.
- Antibody reactivity was compared across MS phenotypes and correlated with disease onset age.
Main Results:
- Anti-Hp antibodies were significantly elevated in MS patients compared to HCs.
- No significant difference in anti-Hp antibodies was observed between different MS phenotypes.
- All anti-Hp-positive MS patients showed positivity for anti-hsp60 Hp antibodies.
- Anti-hsp60 Hp seropositivity correlated with earlier age at MS onset.
Conclusions:
- Anti-hsp60 Hp antibodies are found in all anti-Hp-positive MS patients.
- The clinical relevance of anti-hsp60 Hp antibodies in MS pathogenesis is questionable.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise role of Hp infection in MS.
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