Specificity of antibody-dependent lymphocyte cytotoxicity against cerebral tissue constituents in multiple sclerosis

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Abstract
In patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) there is not only an antibody-dependent lymphocyte cytotoxicity (ADLC) against basic protein of myelin (MBP), but also against encephalitogenic peptide, cerebrosides and gangliosides. The reaction against cerebrosides and gangliosides is not specific for MS; it is also frequently positive in patients with other neurological diseases (OND), syphilis and rheumatoid arthritis. The ADLC against encephalitogenic peptide shows a very high specificity for MS. Of 35 cases with OND, 23 had a positive result with MBP, but only 1 with encephalitogenic peptide. Patients with syphilis and rheumatoid arthritis reacted negatively without exception. The encephalitogenic peptide is a highly specific antigen for MS; MBP shows less specificity. The ADLC against the encephalitogenic peptide shows a markedly increased sensitivity in MS compared with MBP. Specificity and frequency of positive findings with encephalitogenic peptide support the pathogenic significance of the reaction in MS.