Role of the HLA System in the Association Between Multiple Sclerosis and Infectious Mononucleosis

Ramagopalan, S.V., Meier, U. C., Conacher, M., Ebers, G. C., Giovannoni, G., Crawford, D. H. and McAulay, K.A. (2011) Role of the HLA System in the Association Between Multiple Sclerosis and Infectious Mononucleosis. Archives of Neurology, 68(4), pp. 469-472. (doi: 10.1001/archneurol.2011.48)

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether multiple sclerosis (MS) and infectious mononucleosis (IM) share common HLA associations. Design: A prospective cohort study was conducted from October 1, 1999, through September 30, 2003. Setting: University of Edinburgh Richard Verney Health Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland. Patients: Participants included 179 individuals who underwent asymptomatic Epstein-Barr virus seroconversion and 175 patients who developed IM. Intervention: Genotyping for 5 classical HLA loci (HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DRB1, and HLA-DQB1). Main Outcome Measure: Diagnosis of IM and allele frequency. Results: Allelic analysis showed that HLA-DRB1*01:01 was significantly associated with the development of IM (odds ratio, 3.2; P < .001). Patients with IM and HLA-DRB1*01:01 had a lower Epstein-Barr virus viral load compared with those without the allele (median, 783 vs 7366 copies/10(6) peripheral blood mononuclear cells; P = .03). Conclusion: HLA-DRB1*01:01 is protective against developing MS; thus, a common genetic basis between IM and MS is not supported.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McAulay, Dr Karen
• Authors: Ramagopalan, S.V., Meier, U. C., Conacher, M., Ebers, G. C., Giovannoni, G., Crawford, D. H., and McAulay, K.A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Archives of Neurology
• ISSN: 0003-9942