High Epstein-Barr virus capsid antigen IgG level associates with the carriership of CD8+ T cell somatic mutations in the STAT3 SH2 domain

Clin Immunol. 2023 Aug 10:109733. doi: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109733. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTHigh carrier prevalence of STAT3 SH2 domain somatic mutations was recently discovered in CD8+ T cells. We found these low-allele-fraction clones in 26% of donors, without difference between multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and controls. Here we tested whether anti-viral antibodies associate with the carriership of these mutant clones. We compared antibody responses against common viruses in mutation carriers vs. non-carriers. Plasma samples of 152 donors (92 MS patients, 60 controls) were analyzed for antibodies against cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus-6A and parvovirus B19. The mutation carrier status associated with EBV VCA IgG level (p = 0.005) and remained significant after logistic regression (p = 0.036). This association was contributed similarly by MS patients and controls. These results suggest that EBV contributes to the generation or growth of these clones. The pathogenic role of the STAT3 mutant clones in MS is presently unclear, but their detailed characterization warrants further study.PMID:37572949 | DOI:10.1016/j.clim.2023.109733

Source: Clinical Immunology - August 12, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Joonas Lehikoinen Miko Valori Anne J J ääskeläinen Sini M Laakso T Petteri Arstila Pentti J Tienari Source Type: research