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Updated: Aug 22, 2026
Analysis of Microglia and Monocyte-derived Macrophages from the Central Nervous System by Flow Cytometry
Published on: June 22, 2017
Gliotoxicity, reverse transcriptase activity and retroviral RNA in monocyte/macrophage culture supernatants from
1INSERM, Laboratoire de Neuromodulations Interactives et Neuropathologies, Paris, France.
Abstract:
In investigating a possible link between a novel retroviral agent (provisionally called MSRV), recently characterised in multiple sclerosis (MS), and the neuropathology of MS, it was found that there was a significant correlation between gliotoxicity and reverse transcriptase activity in monocyte/macrophage culture supernatants (MMCS) unique to MS patients. MMCS from healthy controls and patients with other neurological diseases did not display either gliotoxicity or reverse transcriptase activity. The observed gliotoxic effect was an initial, intermediate filament network disorganization and subsequent cell death which was specific to astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The reverse transcriptase activity and MSRV-specific RNA were observed during the first 2 weeks of culture in MMCS from patients with active MS. The further elucidation of the molecular form(s) of this gliotoxic factor and its original source may be crucial in elucidating important etiopathogenic mechanisms in MS.
Insights
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
- A novel retroviral agent, MSRV, has been identified in MS patients.
- The neuropathology of MS involves gliotoxicity affecting glial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between MSRV and MS neuropathology.
- To determine if MSRV is associated with gliotoxicity in MS.
- To explore the role of monocyte/macrophage culture supernatants (MMCS) in MS pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Culturing monocytes/macrophages from MS patients and controls.
- Assaying MMCS for gliotoxicity and reverse transcriptase activity.
- Detecting MSRV-specific RNA in MMCS.
Main Results:
- MS patient MMCS showed significant gliotoxicity and reverse transcriptase activity.
- Gliotoxicity specifically affected astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, causing cell death.
- Reverse transcriptase activity and MSRV RNA were present in early cultures from active MS patients.
- MMCS from healthy controls and other neurological disease patients were negative for both.
Conclusions:
- A correlation exists between MSRV, reverse transcriptase activity, and gliotoxicity in MS.
- This gliotoxic factor may play a crucial role in MS etiopathogenesis.
- Identifying the molecular form and source of the gliotoxic factor is vital for understanding MS.
