Immunological hallmarks of JC virus replication in multiple sclerosis patients on long-term natalizumab therapy

J Virol. 2013 May;87(10):6055-9. doi: 10.1128/JVI.00131-13. Epub 2013 Mar 20.

Abstract

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is the main adverse effect of natalizumab. Detectable JC virus-specific effector memory T-cell (TEM) responses may indicate ongoing JCV replication. We detected JCV-specific TEM responses in blood of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with natalizumab, including 2 patients with PML. The frequency of detection of these responses increased with the time on natalizumab. Thus, a subset of MS patients exhibit immunological hallmarks of JCV replication during prolonged natalizumab therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects*
  • Biological Products / administration & dosage
  • Biological Products / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / administration & dosage
  • Immunologic Factors / adverse effects*
  • JC Virus / immunology*
  • JC Virus / physiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / virology
  • Natalizumab
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Virus Replication*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Biological Products
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Natalizumab