Document type
ArticleVersion
Published versionPublication date
Publication license
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/219574
Increased EBNA1-specific antibody response in primary-progressive multiple sclerosis
Journal Title
Director/Tutor
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Related resource
Abstract
Background and objectivesThe impact of viral infections on disease susceptibility and progression has predominantly been studied in patients with relapse-onset MS (RMS). Here, we determined immune responses to ubiquitous viruses in patients with primary progressive MS (PPMS).MethodsAntibody responses to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), specifically to the latent EBV nuclear antigen 1 and the lytic viral capsid antigen VCA, human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), and measles virus were determined in a cohort of 68 PPMS patients with a mean follow-up of 8 years and compared with 66 healthy controls matched for sex and age.ResultsCompared with controls, PPMS patients showed increased humoral immune responses to the EBV-encoded nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA1), but not to the lytic EBV capsid antigen (VCA) or to other viral antigens. Seroprevalence rates for HCMV were significantly higher in PPMS. Antiviral immune responses at baseline did not correlate with disability progression over time.DiscussionElevated immune responses toward EBNA1 are selectively increased in people with primary progressive disease, indicating a link between EBNA1-targeting immune responses and the development of both RMS and PPMS. Our data also suggest that chronic HCMV infection is associated with progressive MS.
Subject
Subject (English)
Citation
Citation
COMABELLA, Manuel, et al. Increased EBNA1-specific antibody response in primary-progressive multiple sclerosis. Journal of Neurology. 2025. Vol. 272. ISSN 1432-1459. [consulted: 18 of June of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/219574