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Detection of JC virus DNA in cerebrospinal fluid from multiple sclerosis patients
P Ferrante1, E Omodeo-Zorini, R Caldarelli-Stefano
1Laboratory of Biology, Don C. Gnocchi Foundation, IRCCS (Research Hospital), Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
JC virus (JCV), the causative agent of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), has been proposed as a possible aetiopathogenic factor in multiple sclerosis (MS). We performed a study to search the LT region of JCV genome by nested PCR in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and urine samples collected from 121 MS patients, 24 patients with other neurological disorders (OND), 30 non neurological patients (NND) and in PBMCs and urine of 40 healthy subjects. JCV DNA has been found in the CSF of 11 MS patients (9%) while all the CSFs from the 24 OND and the 30 NND cases were negative. No significant differences have been observed as regard to the frequency of JCV DNA detection in PBMCs and urine between the MS patients and the control groups. Nucleotide sequences analysis of seven JCV CSF isolates showed that five strains were identical the prototypal strain, while the other two had a base mutation (T-->C) in 4286 nucleotide (nt). The finding of JCV DNA in the CSF of MS patients suggest that JCV could play a role in the triggering and/or in the maintenance of MS aetiopathogenic process, and therefore it should be taken in consideration when monitoring this disease.
Insights
John Cunningham virus (JCV) DNA was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of 9% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, suggesting a potential role in MS pathogenesis. Further investigation into JCV
Area of Science:
- Neurovirology
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- John Cunningham virus (JCV) is linked to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
- JCV has been hypothesized as a potential factor in the etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of JCV DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and urine of multiple sclerosis patients.
- To explore the potential association between JCV and the pathogenesis of MS.
Main Methods:
- Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect JCV DNA in biological samples.
- Samples included CSF, PBMCs, and urine from MS patients, other neurological disorder (OND) patients, non-neurological patients (NND), and healthy controls.
- Sequence analysis was performed on detected JCV isolates.
Main Results:
- JCV DNA was detected in the CSF of 9% of MS patients.
- No JCV DNA was found in the CSF of OND or NND patients.
- No significant differences in JCV DNA detection rates were observed in PBMCs or urine between MS patients and control groups.
- Sequence analysis revealed that most JCV CSF isolates were identical to the prototype strain, with two isolates showing a single nucleotide mutation.
Conclusions:
- The presence of JCV DNA in the CSF of MS patients suggests a potential role for JCV in the initiation or progression of MS.
- JCV should be considered in the monitoring and management of multiple sclerosis.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of JCV involvement in MS.