Immunoglobulin isotypes reveal a predominant role of type 1 immunity in multiple sclerosis

IgG, its subclasses and IgE concentrations were measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and matched controls as surrogate markers for type 1 and type 2 immunity. lgE indices were significantly reduced in MS patients compared to controls. In contrast, IgGI was elevated in CSF of MS patients and elevated indices indicated intrathecal synthesis. Because isotype switching to IgE and IgG4 is driven by type 2 immunity and occurrence of IgG1 has previously been found in type I inimunity-dominated diseases, the results underscore a role of type I immunity in MS. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.