For this classification of MS lesions, identification of myelin with histological stains [such as luxol fast blue-PAS] or by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against myelin basic-protein (MBP) or proteolipid-protein (PLP), as well as, detection of macrophages/microglia by, e.g., anti-CD68 is sufficient.
Based on studies reporting an overexpression of certain V genes in myelin basic protein (MBP)-specific T cells from MS patients, immunotherapies targeting single TCR (Vbeta5.2, Vbeta6.1) are currently under way.
The presence in CSF of MS patients of a cross-reactive Id to different MBP peptides is indicative of an immune response to this encephalitogenic myelin protein in a segment of MS patients.
In the present study a tetranucleotide (TGGA)n repeat polymorphism 5' to the myelin basic protein (MBP) gene was evaluated in a group of HLA-class II-typed, chronic progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
Since remyelination is a prominent feature in MS lesions, we examined the frequencies of T cell lines (TCLs) specific for epitopes within exon 2 encoded MBP (X2MBP), and also within 18.5-kDa MBP, in members of a multiplex family with MS. TCLs specific for X2MBP were as prevalent as TCLs specific for immunodominant epitopes within 18.5-kDa MBP.