IFN-beta modulates specific T cell responses in vitro but does not affect Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis...

In this study, mouse recombinant IFN-beta was shown to favor PLP139-151-specific Th2 responses in vitro, by inhibiting IFN-gamma production and stimulating IL-4 and IL-10 production. IFN-beta (5000 U/day) failed to prevent the development or severity of EAE induced with PLP139-151. Whereas efficacy of IL-10 was found in the B. pertussis assisted but not in the pertussigen-assisted EAE model, both models appeared insensitive to IFN-beta. Also the combination of (suboptimal) IL-10 and IFN-beta appeared ineffective in inhibiting disease. However, the PLP139-151-specific IL-10 production by T cells from these mice appeared significantly more sensitive to the stimulatory effect of IFN-beta in vitro. It is concluded that despite its Th2 promoting effects, IFN-beta is not effective in inhibiting EAE in this study.