Effects of natalizumab on oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid of multiple sclerosis patients: a longitudinal study

Mult Scler. 2014 Dec;20(14):1900-3. doi: 10.1177/1352458514538111. Epub 2014 Jun 16.

Abstract

Retrospective studies show that natalizumab modifies oligoclonal immunoglobulin (IgG) bands (OCBs) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. In this study, we prospectively analyzed both serum and CSF samples from 24 MS patients, before and after 2 years of natalizumab-based therapy. Our results showed complete (55%) or partial (27%) disappearance of the OCBs in CSF samples that were taken after 2 years of therapy. Intrathecal IgG production, represented by the IgG index and IgGLoc, was also quantitatively reduced. Our data showed that natalizumab substantially modulates both intrathecal polyclonal and oligoclonal IgG production: This effect was much more potent than was previously reported.

Keywords: Cerebrospinal fluid; intrathecal IgG; multiple sclerosis; natalizumab; oligoclonal bands.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Brain / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology
  • Natalizumab
  • Oligoclonal Bands / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Natalizumab
  • Oligoclonal Bands