Evaluation of humoral immune response in adaptive immunity in ALS patients during disease progression
Received 22 January 2009; received in revised form 19 July 2009; accepted 21 July 2009. published online 17 August 2009.
Abstract
In ALS, evidence suggests immune reactions in disease pathogenesis. Although immunological changes point to adaptive immune response, whether humoral or cellular response dominates during disease course is unknown. The study aim was to evaluate humoral immune response in ALS patients during disease progression. Circulating immune complexes (CICs), IgG, and IgM in sera of ALS patients and matching controls were evaluated after each of two visits. Results showed significantly elevated CICs and IgG in ALS patient sera. CICs decreased to control levels at the second visit, yet IgG remained higher than controls. Serum IgM was within normal range. Results suggest a humoral immune response initiating adaptive immunity in ALS, however, cellular immune response needs verification.
aCenter of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
bDepartment of Neurosurgery, University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
cDepartment of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
dDepartment of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
eDepartment of Psychiatry, University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
fDepartment of Neurology, University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
gSaneron CCEL Therapeutics, Inc., Tampa, FL 33612, United States
Corresponding author. Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair Department of Neurosurgery University of South Florida, College of Medicine 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Tampa, FL 33612, United States. Tel.: +1 813 974 3189; fax: +1 813 974 3078.
ABSTRACT