Mechanisms of action of interferon-β in multiple sclerosis

Changes of percentages in immune cells phenotypes and cytokines production during two-year IFN-?-1a treatment in multiple sclerosis patients

“…The present work shows that IL-10 during IFN-β-1a therapy is secreted mainly by monocytes, rather than by T cells, as the percentage of CD14 + IL-10 significantly increased during the first year of the study. These results find confirmation in previous reports on the significant increase in IL-10 secreting macrophages in vitro after exposure to IFN-β-1b and no effect on the level of CD3 + IL-10 cells [1]. In vivo study has also revealed that only monocytes secrete IL-10 in response to IFN-β-1a [19].…”

“…Concerning the changes in monitored phenotypes, it should be mentioned that IFN-β is considered to be an immunomodulator which is thought to augment some parts of the immune response, while inhibiting others [1]. The results of our study indicate that INF-β-1a affects the immune system, and already after the first 3 months of treatment that can be seen in decreased percentages of NK cells and B lymphocytes.…”

“…IL-4 released by some Th (Th0 and Th2) cells play a major role in facilitating B cells function [1]. It is very interesting that after two years of the study we have found a positive correlation between decrease of CD3 + CD25 + and CD19 + CD25 + cells (p = 0.0014).…”

“…Many unanswered questions, however, still remain about INF-β. Most of the investigations have been carried out with IFN-β-1b [1,15,25]. The majority of studies focused on IFN-β-1a, and are based on rather short follow-up periods [5,30].…”

Interferon-beta-1b-induced short- and long-term signatures of treatment activity in multiple sclerosis

“…34 However, treatment response markers associated with MS-relevant regulation of biological functions are lacking. 1, 2, 11, 12, 35 Treatment outcome biomarkers from differential gene expression studies in IFNβ-treated MS patients have been a challenge to confirm. 6 Mechanistically themed gene expression patterns that are confirmed across studies should better represent treatment-mediated changes.…”