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Quantification of Autoreactive Antibodies in Mice upon Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: December 1, 2023
Proinflammatory Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody Functions Track with Disease Activity in Multiple Sclerosis
Malina Behrens1, Paula Terroba-Navajas1, Eline A J Willemse2,3,4
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.
Annals of Neurology
|June 18, 2026
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies, particularly against EBNA1, show a proinflammatory signature in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This immune response may drive disease activity and progression in MS.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neurology
- Virology
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is linked to multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis.
- Elevated immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers against EBNA1 are a consistent MS risk marker, persisting post-onset.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate virus-specific antibody-associated immune features in MS.
- To characterize the functional Fc-mediated properties of EBNA1-specific IgG in MS.
Main Methods:
- High-dimensional profiling of virus-specific antibody immune features.
- Analysis of 60 relapsing-onset MS patients and 54 EBV-seropositive healthy controls.
Main Results:
- EBNA1-specific IgG in MS patients displayed a proinflammatory Fc signature with increased FcγR affinity and effector functions.
- This signature was absent for other viral antigens and strongly associated with MS.
- Increased FcγR binding correlated with MS disease activity (relapse, contrast-enhancing lesions).
Conclusions:
- Both binding and proinflammatory Fc features of EBNA1-specific antibodies contribute to MS association.
- Fc effector functions of EBV-specific antibodies may promote focal MS disease activity.
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