Antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus and neurotropic viruses in multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis.

Antibody indices to Measles, Mumps, Varicella Zoster (MRZ) are of diagnostic value in multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we have investigated, if this panel could be extended to increase diagnostic value. Samples from relapsing-remitting (RR) MS and optic neuritis (ON) patients were tested for reactivity to antigens from Epstein-Barr, Varicella Zoster, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (EMMRZ) viruses.

Antibodies to a strain-specific citrullinated Epstein-Barr virus peptide diagnoses rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease. Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) are crucial for the serological diagnosis of RA, where Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been suggested to be an environmental agent in triggering the onset of the disease. This study aimed to analyse antibody reactivity to citrullinated EBV nuclear antigen-2 (EBNA-2) peptides from three different EBV strains (B95-8, GD1 and AG876) using streptavidin capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

The use of synthetic peptides for detection of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. A characteristic feature of RA is the presence of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA). Since ACPAs are highly specific for RA and are often present before the onset of RA symptoms, they have become valuable diagnostic and prognostic.