Age and virus antibodies linked to an immune-cell protein
A cross-sectional study of 280 people with multiple sclerosis linked both factors independently to a larger share of immune cells carrying a particular surface protein.
Research Square
In 280 people with multiple sclerosis and 50 healthy controls, researchers examined blood immune cells in a multicentre cross-sectional study. They compared participants with and without antibodies to cytomegalovirus, a virus. These antibodies were associated with a higher proportion of CD8 T cells, a type of immune cell, carrying LILRB1, a cell-surface protein, in both groups.
Among people with multiple sclerosis, older age was also linked to a higher proportion of these cells. Age and virus antibodies remained independently associated with this proportion after adjustment for other factors. Among participants with multiple sclerosis who had virus antibodies, higher LILRB1 expression was linked to longer disease duration and fewer relapses per year.
Why it matters
Age-related changes in immunity may contribute to lower inflammatory disease activity in multiple sclerosis. The authors suggested that persistent virus-related changes in immunity may play a part in this pattern.
Caveats
This cross-sectional study could not establish cause and effect or track changes as individuals aged. The findings are from a preprint that has not yet been peer-reviewed.
The paper
Calero-García C, Susin-Calle S, Esteban C et al.
Research Square · 7 Oct 2026 · Preprint, not peer-reviewed