Genetic variants in the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus are associated with the IgG index in multiple sclerosis.

Objective: Intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulin gamma (IgG) synthesis is frequently observed in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Whereas the extent of intrathecal IgG synthesis varies largely between patients, it remains rather constant in the individual patient over time. The aim of this study was to identify common genetic variants associated with the IgG index as a marker of intrathecal IgG synthesis in MS.

CXCL13 is the major determinant for B cell recruitment to the CSF during neuroinflammation.

Background: The chemokines and cytokines CXCL13, CXCL12, CCL19, CCL21, BAFF and APRIL are believed to play a role in the recruitment of B cells to the central nervous system (CNS) compartment during neuroinflammation. To determine which chemokines/cytokines show the strongest association with a humoral immune response in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), we measured their concentrations in the CSF and correlated them with immune cell subsets and antibody levels.

Methods: Cytokine/chemokine concentrations were measured in CSF and serum by ELISA in patients with non-inflammatory neurological diseases (NIND, n = 20), clinically isolated syndrome (CIS, n = 30), multiple sclerosis (MS, n = 20), Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB, n = 8) and patients with other inflammatory neurological diseases (OIND, n = 30).

The role of the Epstein-Barr virus receptor CD21 in multiple sclerosis.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is characterised by a chronic inflammation and demyelination of brain and spinal cord with a yet unknown aetiology. Based on multiple epidemiological and immunological studies, which suggest a role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in the pathogenesis of MS, we investigated CD21 (CR2, complement receptor type 2), which serves as the EBV receptor. Serum concentrations of soluble CD21 receptor (sCD21) were determined in MS patients and controls.