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Gamma-interferon induction in patients with chronic progressive MS
C T Bever1, H S Panitch, H B Levy
1Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201.
Abstract:
Although gamma interferon (gamma-IFN) may be involved in the pathogenesis of exacerbations of multiple sclerosis (MS), whether it plays a role in chronic progressive MS is not known. To investigate this, we retrospectively analyzed serum samples from nine chronic progressive MS patients who were treated with monthly intravenous infusions of the interferon inducer polyinosinic acid polycytidylic acid polylysine in carboxymethylcellulose (poly ICLC). Using a bioassay we found that the mean peak total interferon level was 177 U/ml 12 hours after infusion, and using a radioimmunoassay we found that the mean peak gamma-IFN level was 15.9 U/ml 12 hours after infusion, so that gamma-IFN made up approximately 10% of the total. Greater gamma-IFN induction did not correlate with clinical worsening; induced gamma-IFN levels were not higher in two patients who worsened on treatment, and the highest levels were found in a patient who remained stable. Either chronic progressive MS is not sensitive to gamma-IFN or the effects of gamma-IFN are masked by other mediators induced by poly ICLC.
Insights
This study investigated gamma interferon (gamma-IFN) in chronic progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Results indicate that induced gamma-IFN levels did not correlate with clinical worsening in MS patients treated with poly ICLC.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Immunology
Background:
- Gamma interferon (gamma-IFN) is implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS) exacerbations.
- The role of gamma-IFN in chronic progressive MS remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of gamma-IFN in chronic progressive MS.
- To determine if gamma-IFN levels correlate with clinical outcomes in patients treated with poly ICLC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of serum samples from nine chronic progressive MS patients.
- Treatment involved monthly intravenous infusions of polyinosinic acid polycytidylic acid polylysine in carboxymethylcellulose (poly ICLC).
- Interferon levels were measured using bioassay and radioimmunoassay.
Main Results:
- Mean peak total interferon levels reached 177 U/ml, with gamma-IFN comprising approximately 10% (15.9 U/ml).
- Higher gamma-IFN induction did not correlate with clinical worsening.
- The highest gamma-IFN levels were observed in a patient who remained clinically stable.
Conclusions:
- Chronic progressive MS may not be sensitive to gamma-IFN.
- The effects of gamma-IFN in this context might be masked by other poly ICLC-induced mediators.