Molecular evidence of transient therapeutic effectiveness of natalizumab despite high-titre neutralizing antibodies

Mult Scler. 2012 Apr;18(4):506-9. doi: 10.1177/1352458511423650. Epub 2011 Sep 30.

Abstract

Natalizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the alpha-4 integrin subunit of very late activation antigen-4 (VLA-4). Natalizumab neutralizing antibodies (NAB) have been found to significantly reduce beneficial effects of natalizumab treatment in multiple sclerosis. We investigated interactions of NAB with natalizumab by serial measurements of alpha-4 integrin levels on peripheral blood mononuclear cells using flow cytometry. In addition, serum concentrations of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), the endothelial ligand of VLA-4, and serum NAB were serially determined. Natalizumab infusion led to a transient reduction in alpha-4 integrin levels on immune cells and serum sVCAM-1 levels along with serum negativity of NAB lasting for a few days post-infusion. Apparently, the high-dose effect of freshly infused natalizumab resulted in a transient neutralization of NAB possibly involving a transient therapeutic effectiveness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / immunology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / immunology
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Integrin alpha4beta1 / immunology
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / immunology
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / metabolism
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / immunology*
  • Natalizumab
  • Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / blood

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Integrin alpha4beta1
  • Natalizumab
  • Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1