February 2016
Researchers have found that changes in the composition of immune molecules — specifically, a shift to more anti-inflammatory cytokines and regulatory T-cells (Tregs) — likely account for the efficiency of alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) as a treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
The study, titled “Alemtuzumab long-term immunologic effect: Treg suppressor function increases up to 24 months“, appeared in the journal Neuroimmunology and Neuroinflammation.
Researchers led by Stefania De Mercanti at the University of Turin, Italy, investigated the immune profiles of 29 MS patients enrolled in the CARE-MS I and II trials comparing the efficacy of alemtuzumab to Refib (interferon beta-1a). The patients were followed for 24 months, and blood samples were collected at six-month intervals, starting before treatment onset and ending after two years of treatment.
Scientists looked at the gene expression profile of 26 immune-related molecules, including cytokines, chemokines and their receptors, as well as transcription factors. Researchers also determined the relative amounts of T-helper cell types Th1 and Th17, as well as Tregs and the activity of a Treg suppressor, MBP.
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