To assess whether variation in human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K18 env, an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated superantigen, is a risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS), we developed a SNP-based genotyping method to determine the allelic and genotypic distribution of the three alleles of HERV-K18 env. We conducted a nested case-control study amongst 207 MS cases and 403 matched controls drawn from two large ongoing cohorts, the Nurses Health Study and Nurses Health Study 2 (NHS/NHS2). Analyses were replicated in an independent series of 909 MS cases and 339 controls. Overall, in the NHS/NHS2 there was a significant association between HERV K18 env genotype and risk of MS (χ2 p-value=0.03). As compared with individuals homozygous for the K18.2 allele, risk of MS three fold higher among carriers of two K18.3 alleles (p=0.03). An increase in MS risk among carriers of the K18.3 allele was also observed in the replication study, but did not reach statistical significance. In pooled analyses, homozygous carriers of the K18.3 allele had a significantly increased risk of MS (RR comparing K18.3/K18.3 versus K18.2/K18.2 = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.1 to 6.4). These results suggest that variation in EBV-associated superantigen HERV-K18 env could influence the genetic susceptibility to MS.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.