The role of the Polio Virus Receptor and the Herpesvirus entry mediator B genes for the development of MS

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Although the cause of MS is still uncertain, it is well accepted that both genetic and environmental factors are important for the development of disease. In this study, we focused on the Polio Virus Receptor (PVR) and Herpesvirus entry mediator B (HVEB) receptor genes, which are located on chromosome 19q13, a region previously linked to MS. Both receptors are expressed in the brain and immune system and play an important role for inter-cellular adhesion and entry of neurotropic viruses to the brain. We identified four new polymorphisms in the PVR gene, which were located in the promoter region and three different exons. All exonic polymorphisms altered the amino acid sequence of the receptor. No new polymorphisms were found in the HVEB gene, but we confirmed a previously identified intronic polymorphism. We analyzed the frequency of the polymorphisms by RFLP analysis in sporadic MS patients, MS families, and healthy controls and determined the surface expression of HVEB and PVR on peripheral blood monocytes. We did not find differences in the frequency of the polymorphisms or surface expression between MS patients and controls. Overall, our findings do not support a role of HVEB and PVR genes in the development of MS.