Monoclonal antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus cross-react with alpha-synuclein in human brain

Using antibodies generated against the latent membrane protein 1 of Epstein -Barr virus, intense immunoreactivity of Lewy bodies (in PD and dementia wi th Lewy bodies) and glial cytoplasmic inclusions (in multiple system atroph y) was demonstrated. ELISA and Western blotting techniques confirmed that t his immunolabeling was due to cross-reactivity of the antiviral antibody wi th alpha -synuclein, a neuronal protein implicated in the pathogenesis of P D. This example of cross-reactivity between Epstein-Barr virus and alpha -s ynuclein may bear implications for further elucidating infectious or autoim mune mechanisms in PD.