J Neuroimmunol 2003 Feb;135(1-2):117-25
Kennel De March A, De Bouwerie M, Kolopp-Sarda MN, Faure GC, Bene MC,
Bernard CC.
Laboratoire d'Immunologie du CHU, Faculte de Medecine, BP 184, 54500
Vandoeuvre les, 54000, Nancy, France
Humoral auto-immunity to the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is likely involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS).
In 44 MS patients and 30 controls, Ig-producing B cells were identified by their isotype and as MOG-specific spot-forming cells (SFC).
Peripheral anti-MOG antibodies were assayed in ELISA as well as anti-butyrophilin antibodies to investigate for molecular mimicry.
MS patients had significantly higher levels of IgA- and MOG-SFC than controls, as well as significantly higher antibody responses to MOG and butyrophilin.
These data provide added support for the implication of anti-MOG humoral immunity in the pathophysiology of MS, and suggest a balance of systemic (anti-self) and mucosal (environment-modulated) immune reactions in an attempt at regulating the pathogenic specific immune response.