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HLA-DRB1*1501 and response to copolymer-1 therapy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

2001; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 57; Issue: 11 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1212/wnl.57.11.1976

1526-632X

Caterina Fusco, Vincenzo Andreone, Giangennaro Coppola, V. Luongo, Franca Rosa Guerini, Enrico Di Pace, C. Florio, Giuseppe Pirozzi, Roberta Lanzillo, Pasquale Ferrante, Pasquale Vivo, M. Mini, M. Macrì, Giuseppe Orefice, Maria Luisa Lombardi,

T-cell and B-cell Immunology

Background: Copolymer 1 (Cop-1) is a random synthetic amino acid copolymer, effective in the treatment of the relapsing-remitting form of MS (RRMS). In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that the mechanism of Cop-1 involves its binding to major histocompatibility complex class II molecules as an initial step. Objective: To assess a possible relationship between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and response to Cop-1 therapy. Methods: Eighty-three patients with RRMS, 44 treated with Cop-1 and 39 with interferon β-1a (IFNβ-1a) for 2 years, were typed by molecular methods for HLA class II genes and subgrouped according to clinical outcome. Results: Data have shown a possible positive correlation between presence of DRB1*1501 and response to Cop-1 therapy ( p = 0.008). No relationship between HLA alleles and therapy has been found in IFNβ-1a treated patients. Conclusions: Results suggest that DRB1*1501 might be relevant for the clinical outcome in Cop-1 treated patients and, if confirmed in larger studies, it could be helpful in the selection of RRMS patients for different therapeutic options.