Disappearance of cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands after natalizumab treatment of multiple sclerosis patients

Mult Scler. 2012 Jul;18(7):1038-41. doi: 10.1177/1352458511428465. Epub 2011 Oct 31.

Abstract

Intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis in an oligoclonal pattern is the most common immunologic abnormality detected in MS patients. Various treatments, such as immunomodulators and immunosuppressors, have not been found to modify it. Natalizumab hinders migration of encephalitogenic T-cells into the central nervous system (CNS), reducing inflammatory response. Its impact on CSF oligoclonal bands (OCBs) has not been demonstrated. This report describes its effect in four out of six patients with multiple sclerosis after a mean of 10 infusions: the CSF was negative for OCBs at the second lumbar puncture. In conclusion, natalizumab treatment can reduce CSF OCBs to undetectable levels, although the clinical significance of this observation is not yet known.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • B-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / immunology
  • Natalizumab
  • Oligoclonal Bands / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Natalizumab
  • Oligoclonal Bands