Long-term favorable response to interferon beta-1b is linked to cytokine deviation toward the Th2 and Tc2 sides in Japanese patients with multiple sclerosis.

摘要: To address the immune mechanism of long-term beneficial effects interferon beta (IFN-beta), we measured intracellular cytokine production patterns IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-13 in peripheral blood CD4+ CD8+ T cells, which previously displayed alterations during early course IFN-beta treatment, 15 Japanese patients after administration. The were treated with IFN-beta-1b 8 x 10(6) units given subcutaneously every other day for a mean period 34.5 +/- 5.5 months (range: 26-43 months). During follow-up period, 6 experienced 33 relapses, while 9 relapse-free. results revealed following alterations: (1) type 2 cytokine, such as IL-13, significantly increased producing cell percentages both (p = 0.0356 p 0.0007, respectively) 0.0231 0.0170, cells representative 1 was decreased absolute numbers 0.0125 0.0022 cells) even approximately 3 years administration; (2) IFN-gamma / ratio tended to decrease 0.0535 0.0783, respectively), reflecting strong downmodulation cells; importantly (3) percentage IL-13+ compared pretreatment levels only statistically significant MS without relapse therapy 0.0152 0.0078, respectively). Therefore, consider that deviation toward Th2 Tc2 sides is linked favorable response IFN-beta, higher associated treatment failure.