Multiple sclerosis and retroviruses

[Guest guest]

Effects of interferon-beta therapy on innate and adaptive immune responses

to the human endogenous retroviruses HERV-H and HERV-W, cytokine production,

and the lectin complement activation pathway in multiple sclerosis

Thor sena et al, Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital,

N©ªrrebrogade 44, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

cImmunoendocrine Research Unit, Medical Department M (Diabetes and

Endocrinology) and Medical Research Laboratories, Clinical Institute, Aarhus

University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

Received 6 July 2009;

revised 26 August 2009;

accepted 28 August 2009.

Available online 18 September 2009.

Abstract

The effects of treatment of multiple sclerosis patients with IFN-¥â on

elements in the innate and adaptive immune response were analysed in a

longitudinal study. We demonstrate significant decreases in anti-Envelope

antibody reactivity for the two closely related Gammaretroviral human

endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), HERV-H and HERV-W, as a consequence of

IFN-¥â therapy, closely linked to efficacy of therapy/low disease activity.

We also show strong indications of a protective effect of high levels of two

components in the innate pathogen-associated molecular pattern recognition:

mannan-binding lectin (MBL), and MBL-associated serine protease 3 (MASP-3).

Serum levels of typical Th1- and Th2-related, MS-relevant cytokines were

also monitored. Overall both Th1- and Th2-associated cytokines were

modestly, albeit significantly up-regulated, notably IL-2 and TNF-¥á (MS

patients with inactive disease), as well as IL-4 and, to some extent IL-10

(no increase in IL-10 for MS patients with active disease (non-responders)).

We found no overall changes in Th1/Th2 ratios.

Our results support that HERV-H/HERV-W and the antiviral immune response may

play a role in MS development, and that these HERVs have potential as

biomarkers for disease activity.

P.s. have full paper if anyone interested

------ End of Forwarded Message