Dimethyl fumarate induces changes in B- and T-lymphocyte function independent of the effects on absolute lymphocyte count.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis and causes lymphopenia in a subpopulation of treated individuals. Much remains to be learned about how the drug affects B- and T-lymphocytes.

Objectives

To characterize changes in B- and T-cell phenotype and function induced by DMF and to investigate whether low absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) is associated with unique functional changes.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from DMF-treated patients, untreated patients, and healthy controls. A subset of DMF-treated patients was lymphopenic (ALC < 800). Multiparametric flow cytometry was used to evaluate cellular phenotypes. Functional response to non-specific and viral peptide stimulation was assessed.

Res

SUBMITTER: Longbrake EE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5665729 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature