Patterns of TH1/TH2 cytokines predict clinical response in multiple sclerosis patients treated with glatiramer acetate

The patterns of Th1/Th2 cytokines in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis were analyzed to evaluate their relevance as biomarkers of therapy response to glatiramer acetate (GA). Serum interferon-γ (IFN-γ), osteopontin and interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, and IL-10 were measured in 19 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients treated with GA in a prospective study over 3 years. The quotient (IL-2 + IFN-γ)/(IL-4 + IL-10) was elevated in patients with relapses as compared to relapse-free patients after 12 (p = 0.04), 24 (p = 0.02) and 36 months (p = 0.04). Our study indicates that specific patterns of Th1/Th2 cytokines predict the response to GA therapy.