Serum IL-17F does not predict poor response to IM IFNβ-1a in relapsing-remitting MS
Neurology, 08/17/2012
Clinical Article
Bushnell SE et al. – The authors were unable to validate the finding that serum IL–17F is a predictor of PR in a large independent cohort of subjects with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Differences in patient populations and methodology might explain the failure to validate the results from the Stanford study.
Methods- The validation cohort included 54 good responders (GR) and 64 poor responders (PR) selected from 762 subjects with RRMS from the IM IFNβ–1a dose comparison study (Avonex study C94–805).
- Subjects were classified as GR and PR based on the number of relapses, Expanded Disability Status Scale score, and new and enlarging T2 lesions on MRI.
- Serum samples were assayed for IL–17F using a multiplexed Luminex assay and for IL–17F/F using an ELISA.
- Replicate aliquots from the Stanford study were also assayed to assure reproducibility of methods.
- Median pretreatment and post–treatment serum IL–17F levels were not statistically significantly different between GR and PR, and serum IL–7/IL–17F ratios were also not predictive of response status.
- Replicate aliquots from the Stanford study showed good correlation to their original cohort (r=0.77).
