Genetic susceptibility to multiple sclerosis in Sardinians: an immunological study

Acta Neurol Scand. 1998 Nov;98(5):314-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1998.tb01740.x.

Abstract

Objectives: We studied the in vitro production of variably MS-related cytokines from Sardinian MS and healthy donors bearing the two "Sardinian" MS-associated HLA-DR alleles: DR3 and DR4, with the purpose to evidentiate possible differences in their immune response.

Materials and methods: ELISA were used for detection of cellular products by mitogen-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Results: PHA-activated HLA-DR4+/DR3- mononuclear cells produce significantly higher amounts of TNF-alpha compared with the DR3+/DR4-. In addition, homozygous HLA-DR3+ mononuclear cells from MS patients produce significantly lower amounts of IL-10 than those from homozygous HLA-DR3+ healthy donors.

Conclusion: The abnormal production of detrimental or regulatory cytokines may account for the genetic susceptibility to MS in different HLA-subgroups of Sardinian MS patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cytokines / genetics*
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • HLA-DR Antigens / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / immunology
  • Male
  • Multiple Sclerosis / genetics*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • HLA-DR Antigens