Lymphocyte subsets as biomarkers of therapeutic response in Fingolimod treated Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis patients

J Neuroimmunol. 2017 Feb 15:303:75-80. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2016.12.012. Epub 2016 Dec 21.

Abstract

We investigated, lymphocyte count (LC) and lymphocyte subpopulations (LS) in a real life setting of Fingolimod (FTY) treated Relapsing MS (RMS) patients. Peripheral blood counts with LS, relapses and MRI scans were recorded in a cohort of 119 FTY patients, during one year of treatment. Simple and multivariate logistic regression models, were performed. ROC analysis identified cut-off values of LS predicting a higher risk of relapses and of Gd+ lesions. We demonstrated a FTY-induced re-modulation of the immune system, suggesting that LS in RMS FTY treated patients can predict the clinical response to the drug.

Keywords: Fingolimod; Immune system re-modulation; Lymphocyte subsets; Lymphocytes; Multiple Sclerosis biomarkers.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride / pharmacology
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride / therapeutic use*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Lymphocyte Subsets / drug effects
  • Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / blood
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / immunology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride