IL-7-enhanced T-cell response to myelin proteins in multiple sclerosis

• Published in: Journal of neuroimmunology Vol. 121; no. 1; pp. 111 - 119
• Main Authors: Traggiai, E, Biagioli, T, Rosati, E, Ballerini, C, Mazzanti, B, Ben Nun, A, Massacesi, L, Vergelli, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 03.12.2001
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; IL-7; In Vitro Techniques; Interleukin-7 - pharmacology; Male; MBP; Middle Aged; MOG; Multiple sclerosis; Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive - immunology; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting - immunology; myelin basic protein; Myelin Basic Protein - immunology; Myelin Basic Protein - pharmacology; Myelin Proteins; Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein - immunology; Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein - pharmacology; Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein; oligodendrocyte-myelin glycoprotein; T cells; T-Lymphocytes - drug effects; T-Lymphocytes - immunology; Multiple sclerosis; MBP; MOG; T cells; IL-7
• ISSN: 0165-5728; 1872-8421
• DOI: 10.1016/S0165-5728(01)00433-7

In this study, we investigated the in vitro proliferative response of peripheral blood T lymphocytes from MS patients and controls to MBP and MOG either in the absence or in the presence of the conditioning factor IL-7. In the absence of IL-7, T-cell reactivity to MOG and MBP was similar in MS patients and controls even if an increased MBP response was found in a subgroup of patients with active disease. In the presence of IL-7, increased T-cell reactivity to MBP was observed in MS patients suggesting that their MBP-specific T cells are in a different functional state.