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Published on: May 8, 2016
Chemokine receptor CCR5 in interferon-treated multiple sclerosis
F Sellebjerg1, T B Kristiansen, P Wittenhagen
1The MS Clinic, Department of Neurology, Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 57 Nordre Ringvej, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark. sellebjerg@dadlnet.dk
In multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with interferon-beta, higher monocyte CCR5 expression weakly correlated with short-term relapse risk. However, CCR5 genetic variations did not impact relapse risk, suggesting CCR5 may indicate disease activity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system.
- CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) plays a role in immune cell trafficking.
- Interferon-beta (IFN-beta) is a common treatment for relapsing-remitting MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between CC chemokine receptor CCR5 expression and disease activity in MS patients undergoing IFN-beta therapy.
- To determine if genetic variations in CCR5 influence relapse risk in MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of CCR5 Delta32 allele and CCR5 promoter polymorphism in 109 relapsing-remitting MS patients treated with IFN-beta.
- Measurement of cellular CCR5 expression using flow cytometry.
- Clinical follow-up for 1 year to assess relapse risk.
Main Results:
- MS patients exhibited a higher percentage of CCR5-positive monocytes compared to healthy controls.
- Increased monocyte CCR5 expression showed a weak correlation with increased short-term relapse risk.
- No significant relationship was found between CCR5 genetic polymorphisms and relapse risk.
Conclusions:
- The study does not support a significant role for CCR5 in the pathogenesis of MS relapses under IFN-beta treatment.
- Monocyte CCR5 expression may serve as a potential biomarker for monitoring MS disease activity.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise role of CCR5 in MS pathogenesis and treatment response.
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