EBNA1-specific T cells from patients with multiple sclerosis cross react with myelin antigens and co-produce IFN-γ and IL-2

• DOI: 10.1084/jem.20072397
• Publication Date: 2008-07-29T00:58:34Z
• Authors: Jan D. Lünemann; Ilijas Jelčić; Susanne Roberts; Andreas Lutterotti; Björn Tackenberg; Roland Martin; Christian Münz
• Keywords: Pan-T antigens

Symptomatic primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and elevated humoral immune responses to EBV are associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). We explored mechanisms leading this change in EBV-specific immunity untreated patients MS healthy carriers matched for MS-associated HLA alleles. showed selective increase T cell the nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1), most consistently recognized EBV-derived CD4+ carriers, but not other EBV-encoded proteins. In contrast, influenza human cytomegalovirus–specific control was unchanged MS. The enhanced response EBNA1 mediated by expanded reservoir EBNA1-specific central memory helper (Th1) precursors Th1 (but Th17) polarized effector cells. addition, cells myelin antigens more frequently than autoantigens that Myelin cross-reactive produced IFN-γ, differed from EBNA1-monospecific their capability produce interleukin-2, indicative a polyfunctional phenotype as found controlled chronic viral infections. Our data support concept clonally potentially contribute development cross-recognition antigens.