Changes of percentages in immune cells phenotypes and cytokines production during two-year IFN-?-1a treatment in multiple sclerosis patients

The aim of the study was to find out whether INF-beta-1a influences the immune profile of peripheral blood (PB) leukocytes in MS patients. We have studied 20 patients with relapsing-remitting form of MS treated with INF-beta-1a using twocolor cytometry. We determined immune cells phenotypes and production of some cytokines: IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-gamma, before drug administration and after starting the treatment. In MS patients an increased percentage of CD14(+)CD86(+) cells and CD3(+)CD25(+) cells was noticed after 6, 9 and 12 months of INF-beta-1a therapy. Among cytokine-producing cells we noted an increased fraction of CD3(+)IL-4, CD14(+)IL-10 and CD14(+)IL-12 cells after 12 months, which decreased to the level observed before treatment after 24-month therapy. IFN-beta-1a treatment was associated with significant changes in immune response. This effect was mostly evident within the first year of treatment.