title: Immunogenicity of interferon-beta in multiple sclerosis patients: influence of preparation, dosage, dose frequency, and route of administration. Danish Multiple Sclerosis Study Group.
abstract: A total of 754 consecutive patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis were investigated for interferon-beta (IFNbeta) antibodies by protein-G affinity chromatography and antiviral neutralization bioassay during 24 months on 6 MIU (22 microg) of subcutaneous IFNbeta-1a once weekly (n = 143) or three times weekly (n = 160), 6 MIU (30 microg) of intramuscular IFNbeta-1a once weekly (n = 140), or 8 MIU every other day of IFNbeta-1b (n = 311). The proportion of binding antibodies was higher in those receiving IFNbeta-1b compared with 6 MIU of IFNbeta-1a three times weekly (97 vs 89% at 12 months), and fewer became positive if 6 MIU of IFNbeta-1a was administered once weekly (58 vs 89%). Fewer patients on intramuscular than subcutaneous IFNbeta-1a became positive (33 vs 58%). The binding and neutralizing capacities were higher in the IFNbeta-1b group than in the IFNbeta-1a groups; these differences, however, were not significant after 12 months. The number of positive patients varied considerably and depended on the amount of IFN added to the bioassay; adding 10 LU/ml or more masked antibody detection. Antibodies induced by either preparation neutralized both IFNbeta species but not IFNalpha. In conclusion, IFNbeta-induced antibodies are frequently found in multiple sclerosis patients, and IFNbeta-1b is more immunogenic than IFNbeta-1a. The immunogenicity of IFNbeta-1a increases with the frequency of administration and if it is given subcutaneously.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Clinical Interferon Research, Institute for Inflammation Research, Rigshospitalet University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Clemmesen
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Svenson
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Sørensen
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Koch-Henriksen
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Skovgaard
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bendtzen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001666:Binding Sites, Antibody / Q000276:immunology; D003718:Denmark; D004333:Drug Administration Routes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D016899:Interferon-beta