Abstract
Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and vitamin D insufficiency are potentially interacting risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS). Objectives: To investigate the effect of high-dose vitamin D-3 supplements on antibody levels against the EBV nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and to explore any underlying mechanism affecting anti-EBNA-1 antibody levels. Methods: This study utilized blood samples from a randomized controlled trial in RRMS patients receiving either vitamin D-3 (14,000IU/day; n=30) or placebo (n=23) over 48weeks. Circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D, and anti-EBNA-1, anti-EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA), and anti-cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibodies were measured. EBV load in leukocytes, EBV-specific cytotoxic T-cell responses, and anti-EBNA-1 antibody production in vitro were also explored. Results: The median antibody levels against EBNA-1, but not VCA and CMV, significantly reduced in the vitamin D-3 group (526 (368-1683) to 455 (380-1148) U/mL) compared to the placebo group (432 (351-1280) to 429 (297-1290) U/mL; p=0.023). EBV load and cytotoxic T-cell responses were unaffected. Anti-EBNA-1 antibody levels remained below detection limits in B-cell cultures. Conclusion: High-dose vitamin D-3 supplementation selectively reduces anti-EBNA-1 antibody levels in RRMS patients. Our exploratory studies do not implicate a promoted immune response against EBV as the underlying mechanism.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1280-1287 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Multiple Sclerosis Journal |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Sept 2018 |
Keywords
- Antibodies
- EBNA-1
- Epstein-Barr virus
- multiple sclerosis
- supplementation
- vitamin D
- EPSTEIN-BARR-VIRUS
- B-CELL DIFFERENTIATION
- DISEASE-ACTIVITY
- RISK
- PROGRESSION
- MRI
- MS