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Cellular and humoral responses to myelin basic protein in multiple sclerosis: a dichotomy
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Immune responses to myelin basic protein were measured in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Cellular sensitization to myelin basic protein correlated inversely with MS clinical activity, suggesting a role in disease pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Autoimmunity
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
- The role of immune responses to myelin basic protein (MBP) in MS pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate immune responses to human MBP in MS patients and controls.
- To correlate immune markers with clinical activity in MS.
Main Methods:
- Macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF) assay and counterimmunodiffusion assay were used.
- Immune responses were measured in 75 MS patients and 120 controls.
Main Results:
- Positive MIF test results were observed in MS patients during acute exacerbation.
- Antibodies to MBP were detected in convalescent MS patients but not in those with stable disease.
- Cellular sensitization to MBP showed an inverse correlation with clinical MS activity.
Conclusions:
- Immune responses to MBP, particularly cellular sensitization, are associated with active MS.
- These findings suggest a role for MBP-specific immune responses in MS pathogenesis.