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Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and multiple sclerosis: in vitro measles immunity and sensitization to myelin
Abstract:
Three children with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), 12 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and 12 healthy persons were studied by the macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF) assay with measles and rubella antigens and with myelin basic protein. For the SSPE patients the mean migration indexes +/- standard deviation were 44.1 +/- 10.9 for measles antigen, 38.7 +/- 12.3 for rubella antigen and 49.8 +/- 25.7 for myelin basic protein; for the MS patients the indexes were 103.0 +/- 10.6, 93.8 +/- 15.0 and 89.3 +/- 19.9; and for the healthy subjects the indexes were 68.8 +/- 22.6, 77.7 +/- 31.3 and 100.1 +/- 6.5. The results of this study showed increased cellular immunity to measles and rubella in SSPE patients as compared with healthy persons, and absence of immunity to measles in MS patients. Patients with MS showed hypersensitivity to myelin basic protein during clinical exacerbations that was not associated with changes in immunity to measles, whereas all SSPE patients showed a significant response regardless to stage of illness.
Insights
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) patients exhibit heightened cellular immunity to measles and rubella. Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients show absent measles immunity and myelin basic protein hypersensitivity during exacerbations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Virology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Investigating cellular immune responses in neurological disorders.
- Utilizing the macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF) assay to assess immunity.
- Comparing immune profiles in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), multiple sclerosis (MS), and healthy controls.
Observation:
- SSPE patients demonstrated significantly elevated MIF indexes to measles and rubella antigens compared to healthy individuals.
- MS patients exhibited a lack of cellular immunity to measles antigen.
- Hypersensitivity to myelin basic protein was observed in MS patients during clinical exacerbations.
Findings:
- Cellular immunity to measles and rubella is increased in SSPE patients.
- MS patients display an absence of cellular immunity to measles.
- MS hypersensitivity to myelin basic protein is independent of measles immunity.
Implications:
- Suggests a potential role for measles and rubella infections in SSPE pathogenesis.
- Highlights distinct immune dysregulation patterns in SSPE and MS.
- Informs potential therapeutic strategies targeting immune responses in these neurological conditions.