Association of cerebrospinal fluid kappa free light chains with the intrathecal polyspecific antiviral immune...

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• The MRZ reaction, a polyspecific B-lymphocyte response to measles, rubella, and varicella zoster viruses, is a specific neurochemical marker for multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Immunoglobulin free light chains (FLC) are increasingly recognized for their role in various neurological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between immunoglobulin kappa (κ-) and lambda (λ-) free light chains (FLC) and the presence of the MRZ reaction in multiple sclerosis patients.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of immunoglobulin κ- and λ-FLC, MRZ reaction, oligoclonal IgG bands (OCB), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) routine parameters in 65 MS patients.
• Comparison of κFLC and λFLC values between MS patients with and without a positive MRZ reaction.

Main Results:

• All investigated κFLC values (CSF κFLC, CSF-serum ratio of κFLCs (QκFLC), and κFLC index) were significantly higher in patients with a positive MRZ reaction compared to those without.
• No significant differences were observed in λFLC values between the groups.
• OCB were detected in 97% of MS patients, with 45% testing positive for the MRZ reaction.

Conclusions:

• Elevated κFLC levels are associated with a positive MRZ reaction in MS patients.
• κFLC determination is an informative tool for assessing B-cell response and its extent in MS.
• κFLC may hold diagnostic and prognostic value in multiple sclerosis.