RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Predicting autoimmunity after alemtuzumab treatment of multiple sclerosis
JF Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
JO J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 795
OP 798
DO 10.1136/jnnp-2013-307042
VO 85
IS 7
A1 Laura Azzopardi
A1 Sara A J Thompson
A1 Katherine E Harding
A1 Mark Cossburn
A1 Neil Robertson
A1 Alastair Compston
A1 Alasdair J Coles
A1 Joanne L Jones
YR 2014
UL http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/85/7/795.abstract
AB Objective We have previously shown that autoimmunity following alemtuzumab treatment of multiple sclerosis can be predicted by high baseline serum interleukin IL-21 (IL-21), as measured using a now ‘redundant’ enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Here we ask whether currently available ELISAs have similar prognostic value. Design Serum IL-21 from 141 individuals with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis was measured using the now ‘redundant’ IL-21 ELISA and five further currently available kits. All patients had been treated with alemtuzumab; 61/141 had developed secondary autoimmunity. Results The ‘redundant kit’, and one current kit, confirmed higher baseline serum IL-21 in patients with autoimmunity (542 pg/mL vs. 222 pg/mL and 53.1 pg/mL vs. 9.3 pg/mL respectively) and showed positive correlation. However, only the ‘redundant’ kit had predictive utility. Conclusions Currently available IL-21 ELISA kits should not be used to counsel individuals with multiple sclerosis considering treatment with alemtuzumab.