HLA class II and response to interferon-beta in multiple sclerosis

Acta Neurol Scand. 2005 Dec;112(6):391-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2005.00415.x.

Abstract

Objective: To study the relationship between human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genotype and clinical response to interferon-beta (IFN-beta).

Methods: We analysed the HLA class II genotypes of 96 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with IFN-beta. The patients were classified as responders or non-responders according to clinical criteria: one or more relapses or a sustained increase after 1 year treatment compared with the year prior to IFN-beta therapy of > or = 0.5 points on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

Results: There were 66 (69%) responders and 30 (31%) non-responders. Baseline clinical characteristics were similar. We found no association between HLA class II alleles and clinical response to IFN-beta.

Conclusions: HLA genotype does not appear to influence the clinical response to IFN-beta in MS patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alleles
  • Cohort Studies
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Disease Progression
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency / genetics
  • Genotype*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Interferon beta-1a
  • Interferon beta-1b
  • Interferon-beta / administration & dosage*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / genetics*
  • Neurologic Examination / drug effects
  • Prospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • Interferon beta-1b
  • Interferon-beta
  • Interferon beta-1a