Investigation of IL-۲ and IFN-γ to EBV peptides in stimulatedwhole blood among multiple sclerosis patients and healthy individuals

Background and Aim : Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a double-stranded DNA virus and has twophases of lytic and latent infection in host cells. After infecting B lymphocytes, EBV becomespersistent in these cells. In healthy individuals T lymphocyte has a major role in killing EBVinfected B cells. Statistical studies have shown that the risk of MS, is increased in individuals withsymptomatic EBV infection. In the present study in order to measure immune response, especiallyT lymphocytes, against different components of EBV, the mRNA level of IL-۲ and IFN-γ, thatimpress autoimmune diseases and indicate T cell function, has investigated in treated whole blood(WB) culture with EBNA۱ and BRLF۱ peptides from ۱۰ healthy individuals and ۱۰ MS patients.Methods : First of all, the viability percent of cells after treating with viral peptides in differentperiod of time was measured by MTT assay. Then optimal annealing temperature for primersfunction was determined by PCR. Finally, the mRNA level of IL-۲ and IFN-γ in treated anduntreated WB culture was evaluated by using real time RT-PCR.Results : The analysis of the results achieved by real time RT-PCR, demonstrated a significantincreased level of IL-۲ in MS patients than healthy subjects after exposure to both peptides. Also,the mRNA level of IFN-γ increased in MS patients in EBNA۱ treated WB culture.Conclusion : According to obtained results, EBV peptides can reactivate immune cells, especiallyT lymphocytes, and may indirectly induce inflammation and develop MS; however, it seems thatlong time exposure to these peptides has reduced effect on T cell function and face the control ofB lymphocytes with difficulty.

کلیدواژه ها:

Epstein-Barr virus ، Multiple sclerosis ، T lymphocyte ، B lymphocyte ، interferongamma ، interleukin-۲.