Effect of fingolimod action on the release of monocyte-derived microvesicles in multiple sclerosis patients

Recently, microvesicles (MVs) were considered as important mediators of intercellular communication, especially in pathological conditions as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In myeloid cells, MV shedding is induced by the receptor P2X7 with the involvement of acid sphingomyelinase (A-SMase) and release of the IL-1 beta. In this study we evaluate how Fingolimod affects MVs production by the monocytes, as well as P2X7R, IL-1 beta expression and A-SMase activity. Treatment decreased MVs production and IL-1 beta expression. This effect was associated with the inhibition of A-SMase activity in BzATP-stimulated monocytes from MS patients. These evidences suggest monocyte MVs as a possible disease and drug-efficacy biomarkers.