A recent study found that a simple blood test that uses IgG antibody aggregates can identify multiple sclerosis (MS) biomarkers with 90 percent accuracy. Learn more about this research and how the findings could help advance MS diagnostics.
The use of blood-based biomarkers in multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnostics is gaining traction due to recent advances in sensitive immunoassays, which have made it possible to measure biomarkers from peripheral blood even when present in minuscule concentrations.
This development marks the beginning of a new era in biomarker research and utilization for MS, and based on recent research, a blood test that uses immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody aggregates to identify biomarkers could significantly enhance MS diagnostics.
How the IgG Antibody Blood Test Works
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has traditionally been used to measure biomarkers because when compared to blood tests, it more accurately reflects the inflammatory profile of the central nervous system. However, the potential of blood-based biomarkers, such as the IgG antibody aggregates, to enhance MS diagnostics is promising due to the recent advancements in sensitive immunoassays.
As the name implies, the IgG antibody blood test measures the level of IgG antibodies in the blood. IgG is a type of antibody that plays a crucial role in the body's immune system, protecting against bacterial and viral infections. IgG antibodies are produced by plasma cells and lymphocytes in response to infections or immunizations, and they provide long-term protection by "remembering" previously encountered antigens.
The IgG test is used for various purposes, including determining the presence of infections, assessing the body's immunity level post-recovery from an illness or vaccination, and in cases of chronic inflammation or recurring infections. It can also help determine whether an individual has been exposed to a particular illness.
In the context of MS, the IgG index, which is the ratio of IgG to albumin in the CSF compared to that in the serum, has been found to be significantly elevated among some MS patients, which could help lead to a diagnosis. And so while CSF biomarkers have been the standard, these blood tests offer a less invasive and more accessible alternative to the current diagnostic methods, which often involve complex and expensive procedures, such as neurological exams, MRIs, or spinal taps.
What Researchers Found on the IgG Antibody Blood Test
A recent study was conducted by Xiaoli Yu and her research team at the University of Colorado School of Medicine to evaluate the IgG test’s ability to identify MS biomarkers in the blood.
To do so, samples from 190 patients with MS and 160 control samples were collected, and the plasma test, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), was then conducted. The team found that this plasma test offered 90 percent accuracy in identifying MS biomarkers, demonstrating the potential for clinical application.
Given this high accuracy rate, the researchers concluded that the test could offer a path to diagnosing MS that much earlier, monitoring patient response to different therapies, and informing future treatment decisions.
Why This Research Matters
The development of a blood test that uses IgG antibody aggregates to identify MS biomarkers with 90 percent accuracy represents a significant advancement in MS diagnostics. This less invasive and more accessible alternative to current methods could lead to earlier detection, therapeutic efficacy monitoring, and more personalized treatment for MS patients.
And although more research is required before the assays can be adapted for clinical practice, the IgG test’s ability to accurately detect the MS biomarkers fuels hope for the viability of such a test in the future.
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