Immune responses to antigens of human endogenous retroviruses in patients with acute or stable multiple sclerosis

A possible role for human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) in the pathogenesis of MS was investigated by analyzing HERV peptides-stimulated proliferation and cytokine production in MS patients with acute (AMS) or stable (SMS) disease. HERV peptides specific-proliferation and type 1 cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells was observed in AMS but not in SMS individuals, in whom a type 2 cytokine profile dominates. HERV peptides-stimulated immune responses were modified by changes in disease expression; mediated by CD4 + T lymphocytes; and not related to HLA class II molecules. These data suggest the possibility of a pathogenic role for HERV and HERV-specific immune responses in MS.