Immune Regulation in Multiple Sclerosis: The Effect of Glatiramer Acetate on MicroRNA Expression in Antigen-Presenting Cells

Immune Regulation in Multiple Sclerosis: The Effect of Glatiramer Acetate on MicroRNA Expression in Antigen-Presenting Cells

MicroRNAs regulate gene expression. The abnormal expression of microRNAs has been reported in many human diseases. The purpose of this pilot study is to determine if microRNA expression is changed in untreated and glatiramer acetate-treated patients with multiple sclerosis.

MicroRNAs regulate gene expression. The abnormal expression of microRNAs has been reported in many human diseases. The purpose of this pilot study is to determine if microRNA expression is changed in untreated and glatiramer acetate-treated patients with multiple sclerosis. The expression of microRNA will be analysed in cell subsets separated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Inclusion Criteria:

18-60 year-old healthy subjects or patients with RRMS/CIS

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any treatment with steroids in the last 30 days prior to the blood draw or any immunosuppressive or Disease-modifying treatment (DMT) other than Glatiramer Acetate in the last 90 days
2. Presence of other disorders that may be associated with immune-deficient or autoimmune process (e.g., HIV, lymphoma, lupus) or demyelinating disease other than MS (e.g., Lyme, B12 deficiency)
3. Pregnancy
4. Intermittent or unilateral constant assistance (cane, crutch, brace) required to walk about 100 meters with or without resting (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score greater than 5.5)