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Isolation and Quantification of Epstein-Barr Virus from the P3HR1 Cell Line
Published on: September 28, 2022
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The concentrations of antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus decrease during ocrelizumab treatment
H Phuong T Pham1, Sepideh Saroukhani2, J William Lindsey1
1Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
|January 5, 2023
Summary
Ocrelizumab (OCR) treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) reduces antibodies to Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) antigens. This suggests OCR may benefit MS patients by decreasing the EBV antigenic stimulus.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Neurology
Background:
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection is linked to multiple sclerosis (MS).
- EBV establishes lifelong latent infection in B lymphocytes.
- Ocrelizumab (OCR), an anti-CD20 antibody, depletes B cells and reduces MS disease activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of OCR treatment on antibody responses to EBV antigens.
- To assess antibody responses to human antigens cross-reactive with EBV during OCR therapy.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples from MS patients before and during OCR treatment were analyzed.
- Antibodies to EBV antigens (EBNA-1, BFRF3, gp350) and cross-reactive human proteins (septin-9, DLST, HNRNPL) were measured using Western blots and ELISA.
Main Results:
- OCR treatment significantly decreased antibodies to EBV antigens EBNA-1 and BFRF3 after 12 months.
- A trend towards decreased antibody response to cross-reactive human proteins septin-9 and DLST was observed.
- No significant change in antibodies to HNRNPL or total IgG concentration was noted.
Conclusions:
- Ocrelizumab treatment leads to a reduction in antibody responses to specific EBV antigens in MS patients.
- The therapeutic benefit of OCR in MS may involve mitigating the EBV antigenic stimulus.
