Epub: Nakamura et al. Differential effects of fingolimod on B-cell populations in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2014 Feb.
BACKGROUND: Fingolimod is an oral drug approved for multiple sclerosis (MS) with an ability to trap central memory T cells in secondary lymphoid tissues; however, its variable effectiveness in individual MSers indicates the need to evaluate its effects on other lymphoid cells.
OBJECTIVE: To clarify the effects of fingolimod on B-cell populations in MSers.
METHODS: We analysed blood samples from 9 fingolimod-treated and 19 control MSers by flow cytometry, to determine the frequencies and activation states of naive B cells, memory B cells, and plasmablasts (antibody producing).
RESULTS: The frequencies of each B-cell population in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were greatly reduced 2 weeks after starting fingolimod treatment. Detailed analysis revealed a significant reduction in activated memory B cells, particularly those expressing Ki-67, a marker of cell proliferation. Also, we noted an increased proportion of activated plasmablasts (CD138+) among whole plasmablasts, in the MSers treated with fingolimod.
CONCLUSIONS: The marked reduction of Ki-67+ memory B cells may be directly linked with the effectiveness of fingolimod in treating MS. In contrast, the relative resistance of CD138+ plasmablasts to fingolimod may be of relevance for understanding the differential effectiveness of fingolimod in individual MSers.