Intrathecal humoral immune response in HAM/TSP in relation to HLA haplotype analysis

Introduction - In HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), we correlated human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes to the fine specificities of intrathecally synthesized IgG antibodies against HTLV-1. Patients and methods - HLA haplotypes of HAM/TSP patients were determined by the standard NIH microcytotoxicity test and family HLA studies. IgG antibodies against HTLV-1 synthetic peptides in paired CSF and serum were measured by enzyme immunoassay, and intrathecal synthesis of antibodies was evaluated. Results - HAM/TSP patients with particular HLA haplotypes (A24Cw7B7DR1DQ5, A2Cw7B7DR1DQ5, A24Cw-B52DR15DQ6, A11Cw1B54DR4DQ4, and A24Cw1B54DR4DQ4) showed more frequently intrathecal synthesis of antibodies against HTLV-1 synthetic peptides, especially against HTLV-1 env gp21 synthetic peptides. Conclusion - In HAM/TSP, a retrovirus-induced human chronic inflammatory disease of the CNS, this is the first report to provide evidence that the intrathecal antiviral immune response is influenced by immunogenetic factors of the HLA complex.