Association of serum Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen-1 antibodies and intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis in early multiple sclerosis

J Neuroimmunol. 2015 Aug 15:285:156-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2015.06.012. Epub 2015 Jun 25.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. A characteristic feature of MS is an intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulin (Ig)G. In 90 patients with clinically isolated syndromes/early relapsing-remitting MS, serum antibodies to Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen-1, but not to EBV viral capsid antigen, rubella, or varicella zoster virus, were higher (p=0.03) in those with than those without a calculated intrathecal IgG synthesis >0% and correlated with the percentage (r=0.27, p=0.009) and concentration (r=0.27, p=0.012) of intrathecally produced IgG. These findings suggest a link between EBV infection and the events leading to intrathecal IgG synthesis in patients with MS.

Keywords: Antibodies; Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen-1; Epstein–Barr virus; Intrathecal immunoglobulin G; Multiple sclerosis; Oligoclonal bands.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • Antigens, Viral / blood
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Capsid Proteins / blood
  • Cohort Studies
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens / blood*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / biosynthesis
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / blood*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / diagnosis*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / virology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Spinal Cord / metabolism*
  • Spinal Cord / virology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antigens, Viral
  • Biomarkers
  • Capsid Proteins
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens
  • Epstein-Barr viral capsid antigen
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • EBV-encoded nuclear antigen 1