This paper looks at the association between antibody reactivity against Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1) and five EBNA-1 domains and the risk of MS. Also, the researchers examined if these antibodies and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status interact regarding MS risk in prospectively collected blood samples.
Both antibody reactivity and 25(OH)D levels were measured using ELISA in 192 MS cases and 384 matched controls. The researchers found that the risk of MS increased across antibody reactivity against EBNA-1. In patients <26.4 years, these associations were stronger and 25(OH)D levels correlated inversely to antibody reactivity against EBNA-1 and the EBNA-1 domains. In conclusion, increased antibody reactivity against EBNA-1 is a risk factor for MS and 25(OH)D status may influence the immune response towards EBV in young people and modulate MS risk.
Authors: Salzer J, Nyström M, Hallmans G
Source: Mult Scler. 2013 Apr 2. [Epub ahead of print]
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