Review: Neutralizing antibodies against interferon-beta

Neutralizing antibodies against interferon-Beta.

The development of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) is a major problem in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with interferon-beta (IFN-ß). Whereas binding antibodies (BAbs) can be demonstrated in the vast majority of patients, only a smaller proportion of patients develop NAbs. The principle in NAb in vitro assays is the utilization of cultured cell lines that are responsive to IFN-ß. The c...

Interferon-beta Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis: Analysis of Neutralizing Antibodies

Neutralizing antibodies against endogenous interferon in myasthenia gravis patients.

Anti-cytokine antibodies (Abs) play an important role in the regulation of the immune response, both under normal conditions and in several autoimmune and neoplastic disorders. In the present study, we have investigated the occurrence and the clinical significance of natural neutralizing Abs (NAbs) against interferons (IFNs) alpha, beta, and gamma, as detected by bioassay, in 52 patients with m...

The Cost of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients Who Develop Neutralizing Antibodies during Interferon Beta Therapy

BACKGROUND Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) patients treated with interferon beta (IFN beta) can develop neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) that reduce treatment efficacy. Several clinical studies explored the association of NAb+ status with increased disease activity. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to estimate the cost of RRMS patients who develop NAbs while treated with IFN be...

Effects of neutralizing antibodies to interferon beta in multiple sclerosis: a logical paradox.

Already more than 20 years ago, in the pivotal trial of IFNb-1b, it was shown that NAbs totally blocked the clinical effects of IFNb-1b. In months 13–36, when NAbs had developed, the relapse rate in NAb-positive patients was reduced by 50% compared with that in NAb-negative patients and was similar to the relapse rate in placebo-treated patients. Since then a large number of studies with an app...