Related Experiment Videos
Relationship between measles HI titers and an MS susceptibility gene
Abstract:
Recently published studies of formal linkage analyses strongly suggest that a multiple sclerosis susceptibility (MSS) gene is linked to the HLA region of the sixth chromosome. The objective of this analysis was to investigate whether or not the gene has any demonstrable relationship to the immune status with regard to measles within members of multiple-case MS families. Family members were HLA-typed, and levels of antibodies to measles were determined using the hemagglutination inhibition assay. Since a specific, HLA-defined haplotype within each family is presumably a marker for the MSS gene, family members were characterized as either carrying [(+) controls] or not carrying [(-) controls] the MSS gene by the presence of this specific haplotype. Twenty families were entered into the analyses. Results revealed that the mean titer to measles was not different between (+) and (-) controls, and that MS cases had significantly higher titers than both control groups combined.
Insights
Multiple sclerosis susceptibility (MSS) gene linkage to the sixth chromosome HLA region was investigated. While no difference in measles antibody titers was found between gene carriers and non-carriers, multiple sclerosis cases showed higher titers.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Human Genetics
- Neurology
Background:
- Formal linkage analyses suggest a multiple sclerosis susceptibility (MSS) gene is located in the HLA region on the sixth chromosome.
- The relationship between this potential MSS gene and immune status, specifically measles antibody levels, requires further investigation within affected families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the putative multiple sclerosis susceptibility (MSS) gene, linked to the HLA region, correlates with immune status regarding measles antibodies.
- To compare measles antibody titers between multiple sclerosis (MS) family members who carry the HLA-defined marker for the MSS gene and those who do not.
Main Methods:
- Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing was performed on members of 20 multiple-case MS families.
- Measles antibody levels were quantified using the hemagglutination inhibition assay.
- Family members were categorized as (+) or (-) controls based on the presence or absence of a specific HLA-defined haplotype presumed to mark the MSS gene.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in mean measles antibody titers was observed between (+) controls (carrying the MSS gene marker) and (-) controls (not carrying the marker).
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) cases exhibited significantly higher measles antibody titers compared to the combined control groups (both (+) and (-) controls).
Conclusions:
- The presence of the HLA-linked multiple sclerosis susceptibility (MSS) gene marker does not appear to directly influence measles antibody levels in healthy family members.
- Elevated measles antibody titers in multiple sclerosis patients suggest a potential association between the disease and immune response, possibly independent of the specific HLA-linked susceptibility gene investigated.