Effects of Natalizumab Treatment on Foxp3+ T Regulatory Cells
2008

Effects of Natalizumab Treatment on Foxp3+ T Regulatory Cells

Sample size: 15 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Stenner Max-Philipp, Waschbisch Anne, Buck Dorothea, Doerck Sebastian, Einsele Hermann, Toyka Klaus V., Wiendl Heinz

Primary Institution: Julius-Maximilians University, Wuerzburg, Germany

Hypothesis

How does Natalizumab therapy affect Foxp3+ T regulatory cells in multiple sclerosis patients?

Conclusion

Natalizumab does not alter the frequency or suppressive function of Foxp3+ T regulatory cells in multiple sclerosis patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • Foxp3+ Tregs had lower levels of CD49d and bound less Natalizumab compared to non-regulatory T cells.
  • Natalizumab blocked the transmigration of Foxp3+ Tregs similarly to non-regulatory T cells.
  • The frequency of peripheral blood Tregs was unaffected by Natalizumab treatment.
  • Natalizumab did not restore the impaired function of Tregs in MS patients.

Takeaway

This study found that a treatment called Natalizumab doesn't change the number or effectiveness of certain immune cells that help control inflammation in people with multiple sclerosis.

Methodology

The study used in vitro and ex vivo experiments with T cells from healthy donors and MS patients to assess the effects of Natalizumab on Tregs.

Limitations

The study did not analyze the effects of Natalizumab on Tregs in the cerebrospinal fluid due to technical and ethical reasons.

Participant Demographics

Participants included relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients and healthy donors.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0003319

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