Changes of percentages in immune cells phenotypes and cytokines production during two-year IFN-beta-1a treatment in multiple sclerosis patients.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to find out whether INF-beta-1a influences the immune profile of peripheral blood (PB) leukocytes in MS patients.


METHODS
We have studied 20 patients with relapsing-remitting form of MS treated with INF-beta-1a using twocolor cytometry. We determined immune cells phenotypes and production of some cytokines: IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-gamma, before drug administration and after starting the treatment.


RESULTS
In MS patients an increased percentage of CD14(+)CD86(+) cells and CD3(+)CD25(+) cells was noticed after 6, 9 and 12 months of INF-beta-1a therapy. Among cytokine-producing cells we noted an increased fraction of CD3(+)IL-4, CD14(+)IL-10 and CD14(+)IL-12 cells after 12 months, which decreased to the level observed before treatment after 24-month therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
IFN-beta-1a treatment was associated with significant changes in immune response. This effect was mostly evident within the first year of treatment.
2nd Dept. of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry & Neurology, Sobieskiego 1/9, Warsaw, Poland.
Dagmara
D
Mirowska
Janusz
J
Skierski
Aleksandra
A
Paź
Mirosława
M
Koronkiewicz
Jacek
J
Zaborski
Jadwiga
J
Kruszewska
Andrzej
A
Członkowski
Anna
A
Członkowska
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D016207:Cytokines / Q000032:analysis*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D010641:Phenotype
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D016207:Cytokines; D016899:Interferon-beta