HLA-DRB1*1501 and response to copolymer-1 therapy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
BACKGROUND
Copolymer 1 (Cop-1) is a random synthetic amino acid copolymer, effective in the treatment of the relapsing-remitting form of MS (RRMS). In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that the mechanism of Cop-1 involves its binding to major histocompatibility complex class II molecules as an initial step.


OBJECTIVE
To assess a possible relationship between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and response to Cop-1 therapy.


METHODS
Eighty-three patients with RRMS, 44 treated with Cop-1 and 39 with interferon beta-1a (IFNbeta-1a) for 2 years, were typed by molecular methods for HLA class II genes and subgrouped according to clinical outcome.


RESULTS
Data have shown a possible positive correlation between presence of DRB1*1501 and response to Cop-1 therapy (p = 0.008). No relationship between HLA alleles and therapy has been found in IFNbeta-1a treated patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that DRB1*1501 might be relevant for the clinical outcome in Cop-1 treated patients and, if confirmed in larger studies, it could be helpful in the selection of RRMS patients for different therapeutic options.
Fusco
C
C
Servizio Immunoematologia e Trasfusione, Università Fedrico II, Napoli, Italy.
Andreone
V
V
Coppola
G
G
Luongo
V
V
Guerini
F
F
Pace
E
E
Florio
C
C
Pirozzi
G
G
Lanzillo
R
R
Ferrante
P
P
Vivo
P
P
Mini
M
M
Macrì
M
M
Orefice
G
G
Lombardi
M L
ML
D000328:Adult; D000483:Alleles; D005260:Female; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D059811:HLA-DRB1 Chains; D006801:Humans; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000187:drug effects; D018579:Patient Selection; D010455:Peptides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011379:Prognosis
D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D059811:HLA-DRB1 Chains; D010455:Peptides; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a