Investigation of IL-2 and IFN-γ to EBV Peptides in Stimulated Whole Blood among Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Healthy Individuals

Introduction: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a double-stranded DNA virus, has 2 phases of lytic and latent infection in host cells. After infecting B lymphocytes, EBV becomes persistent in these cells. In healthy individuals, T lymphocytes play a key role in killing EBV-infected B cells. Statistical studies have shown that symptomatic EBV infection increases the risk of MS.

Methods: This study intended to measure the immune system's response against the different components of EBV, focusing particularly on T lymphocytes' reaction. Consequently, the mRNA level of IL-2 and IFN-γ, liable for impressing autoimmune diseases and as indicators of T-cell function, was compared in EBNA1- and BRLF1-treated whole blood (WB) cultures of 10 healthy individuals and 10 MS patients using real-time RT-PCR.

Results: The analysis of the results demonstrated a significant increased level of IL-2 in MS patients than healthy subjects after exposure to both peptides. Also, the mRNA level of IFN-γ increased in MS patients in EBNA1-treated WB culture.

Conclusion: According to the study's results, EBV peptides can reactivate immune cells, especially T lymphocytes, and may indirectly induce inflammation and develop MS; however, it seems that long-time exposure to these peptides has reducing effect on T-cell function and faces the control of infected B lymphocytes with difficulties.