Anti-Epstein-Barr virus-nuclear antigen-1, -2A and -2B antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis patients and their relatives.
We have examined serum antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus Nuclear Antigen (EBNA)-1, -2A and -2B, in addition to antibodies to viral capsid antigen and early antigen in 100 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 50 of their relatives. Using indirect immunofluorescence on transfected cells and Western-blot technique, we have found increased frequency and titres of antibodies to EBNA-2B in patients and, to a lesser degree, in their family members, whereas other anti-Epstein-Barr virus antibodies appeared to be similar to controls. Cross-inhibition experiments were carried out and show that antibodies to EBNA-2A are distinct from those to -2B, and vice versa.
Youinou
P
P
Laboratory of Immunology, Brest University Medical School Hospital, France.
Buisson
M
M
Berthelot
J M
JM
Jamin
C
C
Le Goff
P
P
Genoulaz
O
O
Lamour
A
A
Lydyard
P M
PM
Seigneurin
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D000956:Antigens, Viral; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000276:immunology; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D019309:Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens; D005260:Female; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010375:Pedigree; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000097:blood; D013045:Species Specificity
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000956:Antigens, Viral; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D019309:Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor