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)-β 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-β-treated multiple sclerosis patients. Serum BAFF concentrations were determined by ELISA.

This cross-sectional study involved 107 donors. IFN-β therapy strongly induced BAFF transcription proportionally to the IFN-β biomarker MxA in monocytes and granulocytes in vivo. BAFF serum concentrations were elevated in IFN-β-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-β 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..........................

For the full abstract please go to MSRC: MS Research News : Drugs : Disease Modifying Drugs : Disease Modifying Drugs Ongoing Research - http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=show&pageid=1763