Distinct oligoclonal band antibodies in multiple sclerosis recognize ubiquitous self-proteins

• Oligoclonal bands (OCBs) of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are a hallmark of multiple sclerosis (MS). They are expanded antibody species that are detectable in >95% of patients. Because several OCB and polyclonal antibodies are present in a CSF sample, it was for technical reasons thus far not possible to isolate distinct OCBs and identify their antigens. Here we combined refined biochemical analysis, proteomics, and transcriptomics to molecularly characterize distinct OCB antibodies. We produced six recombinant OCB antibodies and characterized three autoantigens. All of them were ubiquitous intracellular proteins, not specific to brain tissue. This finding indicates that in MS, part of the OCBs do not directly mediate tissue destruction, but rather, indicate a secondary immune response.

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