Clinical and immune responses correlate in glatiramer acetate therapy of multiple sclerosis

Eur J Neurol. 2005 Nov;12(11):869-78. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2005.01084.x.

Abstract

Glatiramer acetate (GA) treatment for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) leads to decreased GA-specific proliferative responses and a Th2 cytokine shift. To study a possible correlation between immunological and clinical responses to GA therapy, we prospectively followed RRMS patients clinically, by magnetic resonance imaging and by primary immunological assays. Fluctuation of GA-specific proliferative responses was significantly lower in treatment responders than in untreated patients, and GA-specific proliferative responses were increased during relapses. These associations suggest a possible causal relationship between immunological and clinical responses to GA therapy. Primary proliferation assays may thus be a useful marker for treatment response.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • Glatiramer Acetate
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / immunology
  • Peptides / therapeutic use*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Th2 Cells
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines
  • Peptides
  • Glatiramer Acetate