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Published on: November 23, 2013
Antibodies to expanded virus antigen panels show elevated diagnostic sensitivities in multiple sclerosis and optic
Helena Gåsland1, Nicole H Trier2, Cecilie Kyllesbech1
1Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Valdemar Hansens vej 13, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark.
Abstract:
An antigen panel consisting of Epstein-Barr, measles, mumps, varicella zoster and rubella viruses (EMMRZ) was recently presented, which may aid in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to validate and extend the EMMRZ panel. Various candidates, such as Cytomegalovirus and John Cunningham virus were analysed in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and optic neuritis (ON) samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IgG levels were elevated in RRMS samples and correlations were found between serum and cerebrospinal fluid levels. Cohort-dependent optimized panels were obtained for RRMS and ON, which obtained the highest sensitivity when combined with the status of oligoclonal bands.
Insights
A new antigen panel, including Epstein-Barr, measles, mumps, varicella zoster, and rubella viruses (EMMRZ), shows promise for diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS). This study validated and expanded the panel, finding it most effective when combined with oligoclonal band status for improved diagnostic sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Virology
- Diagnostic Biomarkers
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis can be challenging.
- Previous research suggested an Epstein-Barr, measles, mumps, varicella zoster, and rubella viruses (EMMRZ) antigen panel may aid MS diagnosis.
- Further validation and expansion of this panel are warranted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate and extend the utility of the EMMRZ antigen panel for multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis.
- To investigate additional viral antigens, including Cytomegalovirus and John Cunningham virus.
- To assess diagnostic performance in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and optic neuritis (ON) cohorts.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to analyze IgG levels against various viral antigens.
- Samples from patients with RRMS and ON were analyzed.
- Correlations between serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IgG levels were examined.
Main Results:
- Elevated IgG levels against specific viral antigens were observed in RRMS samples.
- Significant correlations were found between serum and CSF IgG levels.
- Optimized, cohort-dependent panels were developed for RRMS and ON.
- The highest diagnostic sensitivity was achieved when the optimized panels were combined with oligoclonal band (OCB) status.
Conclusions:
- The validated and extended EMMRZ panel, incorporating additional viral antigens, demonstrates potential as a diagnostic tool for MS and ON.
- Combining viral antigen profiling with OCB status significantly enhances diagnostic sensitivity.
- This approach may improve the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosing neurological conditions like MS.
