Strong correlation of high EBNA-1-IgG levels with edematous attacks involving upper airway mucosa in hereditary angioedema due to C1-inhibitor deficiency

Abstract

Elevated level of IgG-type antibodies against Type 1 nuclear antigen (anti-EBNA-1-IgG) of the Epstein-Barr virus is a strong risk factor for certain autoimmune diseases. We measured anti-EBNA-1 IgG titers in 107 patients with hereditary angioedema due to C1-inhibitor deficiency (HAE-C1-INH). In the sera from 33 longitudinally tested patients, we found a very strong correlation (R>0.75, p=0.0005) between anti-EBNA-1-IgG titers measured in 2004 and 2010, respectively. High (>200 U/ml) anti-EBNA-1 levels were strongly correlated with the frequency of upper airway attacks (p=0.003) and the dose requirement of C1-inhibitor concentrate (p=0.008), while no significant association with the frequency of subcutaneous and abdominal attacks was found. These novel findings indicate that the underlying/triggering mechanisms of upper airway attacks in HAE-C1-INH may differ from that of other types of attacks and measurement of the anti-EBNA-1 IgG levels may be suitable for the prediction of upper airway attacks and C1-inhibitor concentrate requirement in HAE-C1-INH patients.