Multiple sclerosis: Serum-derived exosomes express myelin proteins

Grazyna Galazka1, Marcin P Mycko1, Igor Selmaj1

  • 1Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.

Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|March 10, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Serum exosomes carry myelin proteins, potentially driving immune responses in multiple sclerosis (MS). Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) levels in these exosomes correlate with MS disease activity, suggesting they could be novel biomarkers.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Extracellular Vesicles Biology

Background:

  • Exosomes are key mediators of intercellular communication and immunoregulation.
  • Their presence and role outside the central nervous system (CNS) in neurological diseases are under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To detect myelin proteins within serum exosomes.
  • To explore the association of these exosomal myelin proteins with multiple sclerosis (MS) activity.

Main Methods:

  • Serum, CSF, and PBMC samples were collected from MS patients and healthy controls.
  • Exosomes were isolated and characterized for size, concentration, and myelin protein content (MBP, PLP, MOG) using NTA, ELISA, and Western blot.

Main Results:

  • Serum exosomes were found to contain MBP, PLP, and MOG.
  • MOG content in exosomes strongly correlated with MS disease activity, being highest in RRMS patients during relapse and in SPMS patients.
  • Serum exosomes demonstrated MOG immunogenicity by inducing T cell proliferation.

Conclusions:

  • Myelin proteins are present in exosomes outside the CNS.
  • Exosomal MOG levels correlate with MS disease activity, suggesting a role in perpetuating anti-myelin immune responses.
  • Serum exosomes may serve as novel biomarkers for MS disease activity.