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Natalizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits adhesion molecules, thereby blocking T- and B-cell migration into the CNS. Natalizumab has long been suspected of having effects in addition to CNS blockade.
In this study, 28 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) just beginning natalizumab treatment were followed for 1 year. Researchers analyzed the drug's effects on specific peripheral blood immunological markers. Natalizumab produced an increased percentage of CD4+ T cells expressing CD25, HLA-DR, and CCR6; the drug also increased the percentage of CD4+ cells producing interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin (IL)-17. Natalizumab similarly increased the percentage of CD8+ cells expre…