Ingested (Oral) IFN- α Represses TNF- α mRNA in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

In a phase II trial in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), patients ingesting 10,000 IU, but not 30,000 IU, interferon-α (IFN-α) showed fewer gadolinium enhancements at months 5 and 6, along with decreased proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) protein secretion. Therefore, we examined MxA mRNA induction and TNF-α mRNA repression after 100, 300, 1,000, 3,000, and 10,000 IU doses of ingested IFN-α in 24 RRMS patients to determine the optimal dose for future clinical trials in MS. Maximal TNF-α repression occurs at 100, 1,000, and 3,000 IU. These data provide new optimal doses for additional clinical studies using ingested IFN-α in MS.