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Does simian virus 5 infect humans?
Abstract:
Simian virus 5 (SV5) isolates derived after co-cultivation of human bone marrow aspirates of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients were shown by immunoprecipitation, cross-neutralization and haemagglutination inhibition techniques to be similar antigenically but not identical to the prototype strain. Analyses of human sera (MS and control) showed that about 20% contained neutralizing antibodies to SV5 and immunoprecipitated the specific SV5 HN polypeptide. A competition assay using a specific SV5 monoclonal antibody confirmed that a human serum containing such neutralizing activity also blocked a specific SV5 epitope whereas another human serum with demonstrable antibodies to the related human parainfluenza virus type 2 did not block this epitope. These tests therefore suggested that SV5 can infect humans. However, there was no indication, on the basis of these tests, of any aetiological relationship of the SV5 infection to the induction of MS.
Insights
Simian virus 5 (SV5) can infect humans, as evidenced by neutralizing antibodies found in human sera. However, current tests do not indicate a causal link between SV5 infection and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- Simian virus 5 (SV5) is a paramyxovirus.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
- The potential role of viral infections in MS etiology is an area of ongoing research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of SV5 in human samples.
- To determine if SV5 infection is associated with multiple sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Co-cultivation of human bone marrow aspirates with SV5.
- Immunoprecipitation, cross-neutralization, and haemagglutination inhibition assays.
- Analysis of human sera for neutralizing antibodies and epitope blocking.
Main Results:
- SV5 isolates from MS patients were antigenically similar to the prototype strain.
- Approximately 20% of human sera (MS and control) contained SV5-neutralizing antibodies.
- Human sera with neutralizing activity blocked specific SV5 epitopes, confirming human infection.
Conclusions:
- SV5 infection in humans is suggested by the presence of neutralizing antibodies.
- No etiological relationship between SV5 infection and the induction of MS was indicated by these findings.