Expression and regulation of IFN alpha/beta receptor in IFN beta-treated patients with multiple sclerosis

摘要

Background: The cytokine interferon beta (IFN beta) is successfully used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), although there is a high degree of variability in the response. A common mechanism involved in the modulation of responsiveness to cytokines is represented by regulation of their receptor expression through autocrine ligand-mediated loops. The present study is aimed at investigating the regulation of IFN alpha/beta receptor (IFNAR) during IFN beta therapy in patients with MS and at correlating it with the biologic responsiveness to the cytokine.