Do neutralising antibodies against exogenous interferon-beta inhibit endogenous signalling pathways?

Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
Debra FineMonica Marta

Abstract

Interferon-beta (IFNβ) is currently the most used disease-modifying treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), but it can lead to the production of neutralising antibodies (NABs) against IFNβ. A lady with a past history of genital herpes was diagnosed with RRMS, started IFNβ treatment with a good initial response. Three years later her treatment was interrupted to become pregnant. After delivery she restarted IFNβ; she had more reactivations of genital herpes and experienced intermittent sensory symptoms often coinciding with herpes reactivation. High NABs titres against IFNβ were found. Since the introduction of famciclovir as prophylactic antiviral therapy and a switch from IFNβ to glatiramer acetate, herpes reactivations ceased and she had no further MS relapses. Exacerbations of genital herpes coinciding with MS relapses suggest a potential link between the development of NABs and inhibition of anti-viral action of endogenous IFNβ. This case highlights that NABs not only decreases exogenous IFNβ treatment efficacy, but may also interfere with anti-viral properties of endogenous IFNβ. Investigating patients who are treated with biological medication will allow us to better understand the biology and signall...Continue Reading

References

Oct 25, 2002·Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry·G GiovannoniF Deisenhammer
Jun 6, 2007·Multiple Sclerosis : Clinical and Laboratory Research·Rachel A Farrell, Gavin Giovannoni
Jun 22, 2010·European Journal of Neurology : the Official Journal of the European Federation of Neurological Societies·D HesseF Sellebjerg
Jan 20, 2012·Rheumatology·Rachel A FarrellPaul I Creeke

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