Click here to receive MS news via e-mail
A cytomegalovirus infection triggers an increase in inflammatory and cytotoxic immune cells in mice with multiple sclerosis (MS), which leads to enhanced inflammation and loss of nerve-protecting myelin.
The study, “Cytomegalovirus infection exacerbates autoimmune mediated neuroinflammation,” was published in the journal Scientific Reports.
A cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection leads to chronic activation of the immune system. One result is an increase in the number of immune cells called CD4+CD28null T-cells. High levels of this T-cell subgroup are associated with chronic inflammatory diseases.
Some previous studies have suggested a link between CMV infection and MS. But other studies have suggested that CMV-specific antibodies are associated with a better disease outcome, an increased age of disease onset, and decreased brain atrophy.
Researchers decided to see whether CMV is able to trigger an increase in CD4+CD28null T-cells, and how the infection impacts MS disease progression. The team used both mouse models and in vitro, or laboratory, work with human blood samples.
They observed that blood with a CMV infection had higher levels of CD4+CD28null T-cells than blood with no infection. The researchers also found that CMV peptides, or amino acids, increased the number of these cells in a lab.
CD4+CD28null T-cells are inflammatory, toxic cells found in MS lesions. Researchers discovered an increase in the cells in a mouse model of MS, and noted a correlation between the higher number and the severity of the disease. The used the established experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of human MS.
MS Views and News
Providing educational information, resources and services for those affected by MS, globally
Visit our MS Learning Channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/msviewsandnews