The MRZ reaction as a highly specific marker of multiple sclerosis: re-evaluation and structured review of the literature

Abstract

MRZR is the most specific laboratory marker of MS reported to date. If present, MRZR substantially increases the likelihood of the diagnosis of MS. Prospective and systematic studies on the diagnostic and prognostic impact of MRZR testing are highly warranted.

Viral infections and multiple sclerosis

“…It has been demonstrated that the intrathecal polyspecific humoral response of MS patients has Measles, Rubella and VZ viruses (MRV) as its most frequent component [101], providing a useful help for MS diagnosis. Moreover VZV infection is associated with higher risk of developing MS [102].…”

G1m1 predominance of intrathecal virus‐specific antibodies in multiple sclerosis

“…The intrathecal polyspecific anti‐viral immune response is detected in most MS patients, but rarely in other neuroinflammatory diseases 6. These findings have also been confirmed in OCB negative contexts21 and in clinically isolated syndrome patients who subsequently converted to MS 22.…”

“…In a majority of MS patients, antibody‐secreting cells are present in the central nervous system, and locally produced immunoglobulin G (IgG) can be detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as oligoclonal bands (OCB) 3. Curiously, an intrathecal humoral immune response targeting commonly encountered viruses, including measles, rubella, and varicella zoster virus (VZV) can be observed in most MS patients, as opposed to patients with other neuroinflammatory diseases 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. These antibodies constitute a minor fraction of the intrathecally synthesized antibodies and are believed to be irrelevant to the pathophysiology of MS 7.…”

Diagnostic significance of intrathecally synthesized immunoglobulins against neurotropic viruses (MRZ-reaction) in diagnosis of multiple sclerosis

“…По данным литературы, показа-Таблица 1. Частота встречаемости повышенных показателей интратекального гуморального иммунного ответа у больных РС и в группе сравнения тель специ фичности MRZR достигает 97,5% [19]. Важно, что положительная MRZR вовсе не свойственна острым заболеваниям ЦНС и редко наблюдается при хронических воспалительных и невоспалительных заболеваниях ЦНС [27,32].…”