Patients with active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis synthesize antibodies recognizing oligodendrocyte progenitor cell surface protein: implications for remyelination.

In multiple sclerosis (MS), remyelination of demyelinated lesions diminishes with disease progression for unknown reasons. Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells contribute to remyelination; however, antibodies specific for oligodendrocyte progenitor antigens could block remyelination by eliminating or impeding these cells. In myelinating cultures, cell lysis with antibody recognizing a progenitor cell-specific surface glycoprotein (AN2) suppressed the synthesis of myelin proteins. Cerebrospinal fluid from patients with relapsing-remitting active MS contains antibodies against AN2, whereas cerebrospinal fluid from patients with nonactive disease does not. This is the first report describing antibodies in MS against a progenitor cell-specific antigen that may contribute to the development and progression of chronically demyelinated lesions.