Interferon-beta increases BAFF levels in multiple sclerosis: implications for B cell autoimmunity.
Brain
; 131(Pt 6): 1455-63, 2008 Jun.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-18474519
ABSTRACT
B cells are increasingly recognized as major players in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis. The BAFF/APRIL system is crucial for B cell homoeostasis and may drive B cell-dependent autoimmunity. We asked whether this system is affected by Interferon (IFN)-beta therapy. We analysed transcription of the ligands (BAFF, APRIL, TWE-PRIL) and the corresponding receptors (BAFF-R, TACI and BCMA) by TaqMan-PCR ex vivo in whole blood and in immune cell subsets purified from IFN-beta-treated multiple sclerosis patients. Serum BAFF concentrations were determined by ELISA. This cross-sectional study involved 107 donors. IFN-beta therapy strongly induced BAFF transcription proportionally to the IFN-beta biomarker MxA in monocytes and granulocytes in vivo. BAFF serum concentrations were elevated in IFN-beta-treated multiple sclerosis patients to a similar level as observed in SLE patients. In cultured PBMC, neutrophils, fibroblasts and astrocytes, BAFF was induced by IFN-beta concentrations similar to those reached in vivo in treated multiple sclerosis patients. BAFF turned out to be the main regulated element of the BAFF/APRIL system. In untreated multiple sclerosis patients, there was no BAFF increase as compared to healthy controls. Our study reveals a complex situation. We show that IFN-beta therapy induces a potent B cell survival factor, BAFF. However, B cell depletion would be desirable at least in some multiple sclerosis patients. The systemic induction of BAFF by IFN-beta therapy may facilitate the production of various autoantibodies and of IFN-neutralizing antibodies. Individual MS/NMO patients who have major B cell involvement may benefit less than others from IFN-beta therapy, thus explaining interindividual differences of the therapeutic response.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Linfocitos B
/
Interferón beta
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Factor Activador de Células B
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Inmunoterapia
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Esclerosis Múltiple
Tipo de estudio:
Observational_studies
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Prevalence_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Adult
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Female
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Humans
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Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Brain
Año:
2008
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Alemania