Natalizumab Therapy Modulates miR-155, miR-26a and Proinflammatory Cytokine Expression in MS Patients

PLoS One. 2016 Jun 16;11(6):e0157153. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157153. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

MicroRNAs fine-tune the regulation of Th1/Th17 lymphocyte subsets in multiple sclerosis. We investigated the expression of miRNAs (previously associated with mycobacterial and viral infections) in MS patients and healthy donors (HD) following 6 months natalizumab therapy. In addition, Th1/Th17 cytokines and the presence of anti-EBNA1/VCA IgG in MS patients with different pattern of miRNA expression have been evaluated. MiR-155, miR-26a, miR-132, miR-146a and Th1/Th17 cytokines expression was detected by RT-real time PCR; moreover anti-EBNA1 and VCA IgG titres were measured by ELISA. We observed an up-regulation of miR-155 (p value = 0.009) and miR-132 (p value = 0.04) in MS patients compared to HD. In MS patients, IL-17a (p = 0.037), IFN γ (p = 0.012) and TNFα (p = 0.015) but not IL-6 were over-expressed compared to HD. Two different miRNAs patterns associated to the expression of different cytokines were observed in the MS cohort. Moreover, a down-regulation of miR-155 and miR-26a was seen in MS patients during and after natalizumab therapy. MS patients that over-expressed miR-155 showed a higher EBNA1 IgG titer than MS patients with high levels of miR-26a. In conclusions the expression of particular miRNAs modulates the pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and the humoral response against EBV and this expression is natalizumab regulated.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens / biosynthesis
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin G / isolation & purification
  • Interleukin-17 / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-6 / biosynthesis
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / biosynthesis*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / genetics
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology
  • Natalizumab / administration & dosage*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens
  • IL17A protein, human
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Interleukin-17
  • Interleukin-6
  • MIRN155 microRNA, human
  • MIRN26A microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • Natalizumab
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • EBV-encoded nuclear antigen 1

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the Sardinian Region Grant LR7 2010 CRP 25160, FISM (grant number Cod. 2013/R/15).