Abstract
We have previously described the occurrence of multiple sclerosis (MS) to be associated with human endogenous retroviruses, specifically the X-linked viral locus HERV-Fc1. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible association of the HERV-Fc1 locus with subtypes of MS. MS patients are generally subdivided into three categories: Remitting/Relapsing and Secondary Progressive, which together constitute Bout Onset MS, and Primary Progressive. In this study of 1181 MS patients and 1886 controls we found that Bout Onset MS was associated with the C-allele of the marker rs391745 near the HERV-Fc1 locus (p = 0.003), while primary progressive disease was not. The ability to see genetic differences between subtypes of MS near this gene speaks for the involvement of the virus HERV-Fc1 locus in modifying the disease course of MS.
Highlights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system probably caused by interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors [1]
Some scientists have focused their research on endogenous retroviruses that are vertically transmitted from parents to offspring as part of the chromosomes
We found an association of MS with markers in and near the endogenous retroviral locus HERV-Fc1, located on the X-chromosome [12]
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system probably caused by interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors [1]. An involvement of retroviruses has long been suspected [5] This was based on animal models, where other demyelinating diseases could be induced by retroviruses [6,7,8]. These animal diseases are all contagious and horizontally transmitted, and MS does not seem to be transferred in this manner. Some scientists have focused their research on endogenous retroviruses that are vertically transmitted from parents to offspring as part of the chromosomes. Attempts at isolating such viruses from patients with MS have been partial successful [9,10]. The postulates fail, when the microbe is universally present, which is the case with most endogenous viral loci
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
