Anti-heat shock protein 90β antibodies are detected in patients with multiple sclerosis during remission

Antibodies against heat shock protein 90β (Hsp90β) recognize the antigen on the surface of oligodendrocyte precursor cells and induce a decrease in the oligodendrocyte population of cell cultures. This study investigated the presence of anti-Hsp90β antibodies in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) during remission. Anti-Hsp90β antibodies were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with a specific and sensitive western blot procedure using Hsp90β from cell membrane fraction. The number of patients with anti-Hsp90β antibodies detected in the CSF was significantly greater in MS patients than in control patients with other neurological diseases, which included patients with other inflammatory neurological diseases. CSF anti-Hsp90β antibody levels were significantly higher in MS patients than in control patients. The presence of anti-Hsp90β antibodies in the CSF of MS patients during remission could suggest a potential pathogenic role for these autoantibodies in MS.