Related Experiment Videos
Analysis of leukocyte adherence to measles-infected cells in multiple sclerosis
Abstract:
An assay for leukocyte adherence to measles-infected cells (MIC) was evaluated in 56 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), 37 normal subjects, 29 patients with nonneurological diseases, and 57 patients with other neurological diseases. In the assay, rosettes were formed consisting of three or more leukocytes adherent to one MIC. Two aspects of the rosetting phenomenon were analyzed: (1) quantity of rosettes and (2) quantity of leukocytes contained in the rosettes. By both criteria significant differences (p less than 0.05) were observed between MS patients and subjects in other groups, but data sets overlapped extensively. Results in MS patients were variable; some MIC lines produced more leukocyte adherence than did others, even though all lines had surface measles antigen present. A low degree of leukocyte adherence to uninfected cell lines was also observed frequently in MS. Exposure of MS leukocytes to extracts of MIC or oligodendroglioma tissue prior to the rosette assay significantly (p less than 0.05) decreased rosette formation. These data suggest that leukocyte adherence to target cells in MS is partially dependent on target cell expression of determinants, which may resemble glial antigens.
Insights
Leukocyte adherence to measles-infected cells (MIC) was significantly different in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients compared to controls. Pre-exposure of MS leukocytes to specific tissue extracts reduced this adherence, suggesting a link to glial antigens.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Leukocyte adherence to target cells is implicated in autoimmune diseases.
- The role of measles-infected cells (MIC) in leukocyte interactions in multiple sclerosis (MS) is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an assay for leukocyte adherence to MIC in patients with MS and other neurological conditions.
- To investigate factors influencing leukocyte adherence in MS.
Main Methods:
- An assay measuring rosette formation between leukocytes and MIC was used.
- Leukocyte adherence was quantified by rosette number and leukocyte count per rosette.
- MS leukocytes were pre-exposed to extracts of MIC or oligodendroglioma tissue.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in leukocyte adherence were observed between MS patients and control groups (p < 0.05), though with extensive overlap.
- Leukocyte adherence to MIC in MS patients was variable.
- Leukocyte adherence to uninfected cell lines was also frequent in MS patients.
- Pre-exposure of MS leukocytes to MIC or oligodendroglioma extracts significantly decreased rosette formation (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Leukocyte adherence to target cells in MS may be partly dependent on target cell determinants resembling glial antigens.
- The findings suggest a potential role for measles virus or related antigens in MS pathogenesis through immune cell interactions.