HLA class II and response to interferon-beta in multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
To study the relationship between human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genotype and clinical response to interferon-beta (IFN-beta).


METHODS
We analysed the HLA class II genotypes of 96 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with IFN-beta. The patients were classified as responders or non-responders according to clinical criteria: one or more relapses or a sustained increase after 1 year treatment compared with the year prior to IFN-beta therapy of > or = 0.5 points on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).


RESULTS
There were 66 (69%) responders and 30 (31%) non-responders. Baseline clinical characteristics were similar. We found no association between HLA class II alleles and clinical response to IFN-beta.


CONCLUSIONS
HLA genotype does not appear to influence the clinical response to IFN-beta in MS patients.
Fernández
O
O
Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Hospital Regional Universitario Carlos Haya, Málaga, Spain. oscar.fernandez.sspa@juntadeandalucia.es
Fernández
V
V
Mayorga
C
C
Guerrero
M
M
León
A
A
Tamayo
J A
JA
Alonso
A
A
Romero
F
F
Leyva
L
L
Alonso
A
A
Luque
G
G
de Ramón
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000483:Alleles; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D018450:Disease Progression; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency / Q000235:genetics; D005838:Genotype; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics*; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000187:drug effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a