A clinically useful genetic variant in multiple sclerosis?

A recent study has identified a variant of the SLC9A9 gene that is associated with the clinical response to IFN-beta treatment. IFN-beta induces SLC9A9 expression, resulting in inhibition of proinflammatory T lymphocytes. The findings suggest a key role for this gene in determining the response to IFN-beta in patients with multiple sclerosis.