Genetic variation in PBMC-produced IFN-γ and TNF-α associations with relapse in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background Alterations in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cytokine production have been found in multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to healthy controls. We have previously found that stimulated PBMC-produced TNF-α and IFN-γ modulated MS relapse risk, such that raised TNF-α was protective, while raised IFN-γ increased relapse risk. Objective To assess whether SNPs within genes for relevant cytokines and their receptors modulate the associations of TNF-α and IFN-γ with relapse, thus providing additional information about these cytokine effects and the roles of these genes in MS. Methods Prospective cohort of 91 participants with relapsing-remitting MS and cytokine and genotype data. SNP..