Beta 2 Interferon Neutralising Antibody

Immunology

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Description

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) receiving interferon beta (IFN-beta) may develop neutralising anti-interferon beta antibodies (NABs) during treatment. These NABs are clinically relevant and reduce the clinical efficacy of interferon beta [1,3]. It is unclear whether occurrence of NABs are predictive for the persistence of NABs during continued IFN-beta therapy. Studies have shown that NABs should be measured in all patients treated with IFN-beta. If patients have been persistently NAB-negative for 24 months, measurements can be discontinued. Patients who have been NAB-positive for a period of 18 months or more usually remain NAB-positive for a long time [2].

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Indications

Beta 2 interferon therapy.

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Sample Type

2mL Serum (Gel 5mL Yellow tube).
Requests from outside Sheffield: transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

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Reference Range

Normal is Negative.

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Turnaround Time

Within 4 weeks

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Testing Frequency

4 weeks (Send away test)

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References

Sorensen PS, et al. Appearance and disappearance of neutralising antibodies during interferon-beta therapy. Neurology. 2005. 65:33-39. [Ref 1]
Sorensen PS, et al. Clinical importance of neutralising antibodies against interferon beta in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The Lancet. 2003. 362(9391):1184-1191. [Ref 2]
Giovannoni G, Munschauer FE, Deisenhammer F. Neutralising antibodies to interferon beta during the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. 2002. 73:465-469. [Ref 3]

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Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.