Abstract
Interferon beta was the first therapy to be approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) more than 10 years ago. Interferon beta reduces relapse rates and disease burden and activity, and it may have beneficial effects on the progression of long-term disease disability. The occurrence of neutralising interferon-beta antibodies has been postulated as a possible cause of the failure of interferon beta in some patients with MS. Here we discuss the basic mechanisms that may account for the generation of an interferon-beta antibody response and its biological implications. We review the evidence for neutralising antibodies as a consequence of interferon-beta treatment, and discuss the implications for the treatment of MS. Strategies to assess and manage the long-term impact of neutralising antibodies will be outlined.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 403-412 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Lancet Neurology |
Volume | 4 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2005 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology