Antibodies to serum myelin basic protein (MBP)

Myelin basic protein (myelinbasicprotein, MBP) is a major component of central nervous system (CNS) myelin synthesised by oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. It was first sequenced in 1979 from myelin sheaths, where it was found in complex with lipids. MBP plays an important role in the organisation, assembly and maintenance of the structural integrity of myelin. Identified sections of the protein stimulate the growth of astroglia (polypeptide chain 44-59), enhance the synthesis of connective tissue elements (polypeptide chain 44-166) [ Shefflld W., Kim S. 1977 ]. The parenteral administration of MBP causes the development of allergic leukoencephalitis, accompanied by diffuse demyelination [ Zhabotinsky J.M. 1975 ].

MBP is a membrane protein and has a significant affinity for lipids, in complex with which it is excreted. After MBP injection into the CNS, symptoms similar to those of multiple sclerosis develop. The appearance of these symptoms has been termed experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.

Thus, myelin basic protein is a potential primary encephalitogenic target antigen in multiple sclerosis. Experimentally, myelin basic protein-deficient knockout mice have been created that exhibit reduced CNS myelination and progressive disease characterised by tremor, seizures, and early death. The myelin basic protein gene is located on chromosome 18; in addition to the CNS, the protein is also localised in various cells of the hematopoietic system. Antibodies to myelin basic protein can serve as unique markers of the autoimmune demyelination process of the nervous system, and antibody levels to myelin basic protein can be a sensitive indicator of the severity of the pathological process, MBP levels correlating with the activity of the process.