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Viruses and multiple sclerosis
P Monteyne1, J F Bureau, M Brahic
1Institut Pasteur, Unité des Virus Lents, ERS 572 CNRS, Paris, France.
Abstract:
Animal models illustrate how viruses and host genetic factors may interact to cause immune-mediated demyelination. Similar mechanisms may take place in at least some forms of multiple sclerosis, a disease that is histopathologically heterogeneous. No 'multiple sclerosis virus' has been found yet, although recent data on human herpesvirus-6 antigens in multiple sclerosis brain warrant further investigation. Multiple sclerosis associated retrovirus, a recently described retroviral sequence isolated from multiple sclerosis material, is a member of the endogenous retrovirus-9 family. The association between the expression of this virus associated retrovirus and multiple sclerosis is only tentative.
Insights
Investigating viruses and genetics in immune-mediated demyelination, like in multiple sclerosis (MS), is crucial. While no definitive MS virus exists, human herpesvirus-6 and a novel retrovirus warrant further study for their potential roles.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Immune-mediated demyelination, as seen in multiple sclerosis (MS), may involve complex interactions between viral infections and host genetic factors.
- Multiple sclerosis is characterized by histopathological heterogeneity, suggesting diverse underlying mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential role of viral agents and host genetics in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated demyelination, particularly in the context of multiple sclerosis.
- To evaluate recent findings regarding human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) and a novel retrovirus in relation to multiple sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on animal models of viral-induced demyelination.
- Analysis of recent data concerning human herpesvirus-6 antigens in multiple sclerosis brain tissue.
- Investigation of a newly identified retroviral sequence, multiple sclerosis associated retrovirus (MSRV), from multiple sclerosis samples.
Main Results:
- Animal models demonstrate virus-host genetic interactions causing immune-mediated demyelination.
- No specific 'multiple sclerosis virus' has been identified to date.
- Preliminary data suggests the presence of human herpesvirus-6 antigens in some multiple sclerosis brains.
- Multiple sclerosis associated retrovirus, an endogenous retrovirus-9 family member, has been isolated from multiple sclerosis material, but its association remains tentative.
Conclusions:
- Mechanisms observed in animal models of viral-induced demyelination may be relevant to certain forms of multiple sclerosis.
- Further research is needed to investigate the potential role of human herpesvirus-6 in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis.
- The association between multiple sclerosis associated retrovirus expression and multiple sclerosis requires more robust evidence.