Interferon receptor expression in multiple sclerosis patients

To determine the gene expression of IFNAR1, IFNAR2 and MxA protein and the association with IFN beta treatment response in MS patients. MS patients treated with IFN beta had a significant decrease in IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 expression, and a significant increase in MxA compared to non-treated patients and healthy controls. Also, those patients who had a good response to treatment had a significant decrease in IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 expression compared to non-responders, non-treated patients and healthy controls. IFN influences the expression of its receptors, and is greater in patients who respond to IFN beta treatment. This down-regulation could be indicative of the response to IFN beta. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.