Alterations in circulating T cell functional subpopulations in interferon-beta treated multiple sclerosis patients: A
Andreia Monteiro1, Pedro Rosado2, Luiza Rosado3
1Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Avenida Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã 6200-506, Portugal; Serviço Patologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira, Quinta do Alvito, 6200-251 Covilhã, Portugal.
Journal of Neuroimmunology
|November 29, 2019
Summary
This pilot study found increased Th17 cells and IL-17 in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients, suggesting a role in chronic inflammation despite remission. These findings highlight potential therapeutic targets for RRMS.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroimmunology
- T cell subsets
Background:
- Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is characterized by immune system dysregulation.
- Interferon-beta (IFN-β) is a common treatment for RRMS, but its precise immunomodulatory effects on T cell populations require further elucidation.
- Understanding T helper cell dynamics, particularly Th17 cells and IL-17, is crucial for managing chronic inflammation in MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize circulating T helper (Th) cell subsets (Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, Tfh-like) and serum IL-17 levels in RRMS patients treated with IFN-β.
- To compare these immune parameters between RRMS patients in remission and healthy controls.
- To investigate the potential contribution of IL-17 and Th17 cells to chronic inflammation in RRMS.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study design comparing RRMS patients on IFN-β treatment with healthy controls.
- Flow cytometry to quantify circulating Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, and Tfh-like cell populations.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or similar method to measure serum IL-17 levels.
Main Results:
- RRMS patients in remission exhibited increased frequency of Th17 cells with a Th1 commitment.
- Elevated soluble IL-17 levels were observed in RRMS patients compared to controls.
- A shift towards Th2 cells, a reduction in Tc1 cells, and a decrease in effector/terminal differentiated Th1 cells were noted.
- An altered Th1/Th2 ratio was evident in the patient group.
Conclusions:
- Despite being in an inactive disease phase, Th17 cells and IL-17 appear to contribute to the perpetuation of chronic inflammation in RRMS.
- The observed alterations in T cell subsets and IL-17 levels suggest a complex immunomodulatory landscape in IFN-β treated RRMS patients.
- These findings warrant further investigation into the role of IL-17-producing cells as potential therapeutic targets in MS management.
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