Interferon beta in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: mechanisms of action
V Wee Yong, S Chabot, O Stuve, G Williams - Neurology, 1998 - AAN Enterprises
V Wee Yong, S Chabot, O Stuve, G Williams
Neurology, 1998•AAN EnterprisesInterferon beta (IFN-β) has been shown in several clinical trials to have efficacy in MS. Its
mechanism of action, however, remains unclear. In this review, several biological activities
of IFN-β are highlighted, including its inhibitory effects on proliferation of leukocytes and
antigen presentation. Furthermore, IFN-β may modulate the profile of cytokine production
toward that of the anti-inflammatory phenotype, and this appears to occur in the systemic
circulation and within the CNS. Finally, IFN-β can reduce T-cell migration by inhibiting the …
mechanism of action, however, remains unclear. In this review, several biological activities
of IFN-β are highlighted, including its inhibitory effects on proliferation of leukocytes and
antigen presentation. Furthermore, IFN-β may modulate the profile of cytokine production
toward that of the anti-inflammatory phenotype, and this appears to occur in the systemic
circulation and within the CNS. Finally, IFN-β can reduce T-cell migration by inhibiting the …
Interferon beta (IFN-β) has been shown in several clinical trials to have efficacy in MS. Its mechanism of action, however, remains unclear. In this review, several biological activities of IFN-β are highlighted, including its inhibitory effects on proliferation of leukocytes and antigen presentation. Furthermore, IFN-β may modulate the profile of cytokine production toward that of the anti-inflammatory phenotype, and this appears to occur in the systemic circulation and within the CNS. Finally, IFN-β can reduce T-cell migration by inhibiting the activity of T-cell matrix metalloproteinases. These activities are likely to act in concert to account for the mechanism of IFN-β in MS.
American Academy of Neurology