Multiple sclerosis and herpesvirus interaction

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is the most common autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, and its etiology is believed to have both genetic and environmental components. Several viruses have already been implicated as triggers and there are several studies that implicate members of the Herpesviridae family in the pathogenesis of MS. The most important characteristic of these viruses is that they have periods of latency and exacerbations within their biological sanctuary, the central nervous system. The Epstein-Barr, cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus 6 and human herpesvirus 7 viruses are the members that are most studied as being possible triggers of multiple sclerosis. According to evidence in the literature, the herpesvirus family is strongly involved in the pathogenesis of this disease, but it is unlikely that they are the only component responsible for its development. There are probably multiple triggers and more studies are necessary to investigate and define these interactions.

Cytomegalovirus infection exacerbates autoimmune mediated neuroinflammation

“…1c). To test whether this correlation is CMV specific, we examined the serology of EBV, another chronic and latent virus which has been implicated in MS 33 . No significant correlation was found between the percentage of CD4 + CD28 null T cells and EBNA IgG titers (Fig.…”

Knowledge-base for interpretation of cerebrospinal fluid data patterns. Essentials in neurology and psychiatry

“…Table 3 shows that the frequencies of polyspecific antibodies in MS patients are between 10% and 30% for most of the common antigens, but highest frequencies are observed for measles antibodies (M, up to 80%), rubella antibodies (R, up to 67 %) and VZV antibodies (Z, up to 63%). The combined frequency for one to three of them, with up to 96 % and for the more specific combination of two to three increased AI's in up to 75% of the MS cases 22,24 are the reason for their diagnostic relevance The polyspecific IgG class antibody response in multiple sclerosis 13 is frequently misinterpreted as a causative part of the pathomechanism 27 . The corresponding intrathecal B cell reaction is better understood as a specificity-independent, selforganizing process 13 .…”

Cerebrospinal fluid data compilation and knowledge-based interpretation of bacterial, viral, parasitic, oncological, chronic inflammatory and demyelinating diseases. Diagnostic patterns not to be missed in neurology and psychiatry

“…All antibodies for which the MS patient had a former systemic infection or immunization 26 can be found synthesized in brain with frequencies between 10% and 30% (see complementary review 4 and references 35,36,37,38,39 ). But the frequencies are extraordenary high for measles antibodies (up to 80%), rubella antibodies ( up to 67%) and VZV antibodies (up to 63%) with a combined frequency for one to three of them, with up to 96% and for the more specific frequency of the diagnostic relevant combination of two to three increased antibody Index values up to 75% of the MS cases individually depending on the total amount of intrathecal IgG 36,39 .…”

“…But the frequencies are extraordenary high for measles antibodies (up to 80%), rubella antibodies ( up to 67%) and VZV antibodies (up to 63%) with a combined frequency for one to three of them, with up to 96% and for the more specific frequency of the diagnostic relevant combination of two to three increased antibody Index values up to 75% of the MS cases individually depending on the total amount of intrathecal IgG 36,39 . In spite of decades of research with changing targets there is no indication of a causative role 35 of the virus antibodies, the role of intrathecal B cells is regarded to be specificity independent 26 . Due to its high frequency this so called MRZ antibody reaction is diagnostically relevant.…”