Abstract
Background: The role of T cell subpopulations and their ability to produce immunoregulatory cytokines has been extensively studied in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the exact mechanisms by which T cells and cytokines contribute to disease activity remain to be clarified. Objectives: To analyze the longitudinal relation between markers of T cell activation and differentiation and disease activity in MS patients. Methods: During a period of 9 months, clinical disease activity was scored, monthly MRI scans were performed, and blood was taken for immune measurements in a group of 13 untreated clinically definite MS patients. Results: Disease activity, as measured by the occurrence of active MRI lesions, is associated with a significant transient decrease in both T cells producing interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and T cells producing interleukin (IL)-4. Conclusions: Our results suggest that MRI-documented disease activity is associated with a transient decrease in circulating cytokine producing T cells, possibly due to the migration of activated T cells into the CNS.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
