Specificity of intrathecal IgG synthesis for HTLV-1 core and envelope proteins in HAM/TSP

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Abstract
Introduction– In patients with human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), we investigated the significance of HTLV‐1 specific antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Material and methods– The quantities of HTLV‐1 specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) in paired CSF and serum were evaluated by a sensitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The specificity of antiviral IgG was determined by radioimmunoprecipitation of HTLV‐1 antigens. Results– In 17 of 20 HAM/TSP patients, quantitative evaluation by EIA supplied evidence for antiviral IgG synthesis within the CNS. Radioimmunoprecipitation demonstrated IgG antibodies against HTLV‐1 envelope and core proteins in all HAM/TSP CSF and sera tested. Regarding the 3 sample pairs indeterminate in EIA for intrathecal synthesis, 2 showed stronger precipitation of HTLV‐1 antigens by CSF IgG than by equal amounts of serum IgG. Conclusion– Intrathecal antibody synthesis specific for both HTLV‐1 core and envelope antigens is common in HAM/TSP, thus providing conclusive evidence for an immune response to HTLV‐1 within the CNS.

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