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Skarlis C, Papadopoulos V, Raftopoulou S, Mavragani CP, Evangelopoulos ME. Association of B-cell activating factor gene variants with serum anti-JCV antibody positivity in male patients with multiple sclerosis under natalizumab treatment: Implications for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy risk stratification. J Neurol Sci 2024; 461:123046. [PMID: 38761670 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.123046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a potentially life-threatening complication among Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients under natalizumab treatment, with serum anti-JCV antibody titers being used for stratification risk. Given the critical role of interferon (IFN)/B-cell activating factor (BAFF) axis in humoral immune responses against viruses, we explored whether it is involved in the generation of serum anti-JCV antibodies among these patients. METHODS 162 consecutive patients with relapsing-remitting MS under natalizumab treatment were included. Serum anti-JCV antibodies were measured at baseline, as well as 12 and 24 months after treatment initiation. Type I and II IFN-inducible genes and BAFF expression were quantitated in peripheral blood by qRT-PCR. Moreover, BAFF rs9514828, rs1041569, and rs9514827 gene variants were assessed by RFLP-PCR. RESULTS While type I and II IFN inducible gene expression were not associated with anti-JCV serum titers, the latter were significantly correlated with BAFF gene expression. Of interest, the TTT haplotype of the studied BAFF variants was more frequently detected in male, but not female anti-JCV (+) MS patients compared to anti-JCV (-) counterparts at baseline, as well as at 12 months and 24 months of natalizumab treatment. Measures of clinical validity/utility for the BAFF TTT haplotype showed 88% specificity, 45%, positive predictive value, and sensitivity of 70% for the discrimination of anti-JCV (+) male MS patients after 24 months of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests an implication of the BAFF axis in the production of serum anti-JCV antibodies. Additionally, the BAFF TTT haplotype derived from the rs9514828, rs1041569, and rs9514827 variants may represent a novel risk factor for anti-JCV seropositivity and indirectly for PML development among male MS patients treated with natalizumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Skarlis
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, M. Asias 75, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilis Papadopoulos
- First Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sylvia Raftopoulou
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, M. Asias 75, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Clio P Mavragani
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, M. Asias 75, 11527 Athens, Greece; Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, NKUA, Greece.
| | - Maria-Eleftheria Evangelopoulos
- First Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Moser T, Zimmermann G, Baumgartner A, Berger T, Bsteh G, Di Pauli F, Enzinger C, Fertl E, Heller T, Koppi S, Rommer PS, Safoschnik G, Seifert-Held T, Stepansky R, Sellner J. Long-term outcome of natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in Austria: a nationwide retrospective study. J Neurol 2024; 271:374-385. [PMID: 37728757 PMCID: PMC10770206 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11924-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE The use of natalizumab (NAT) in multiple sclerosis (MS) may be complicated by progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare and life-threatening opportunistic brain infection. We aimed to analyze the course of MS after PML recovery together with the long-term outcome of NAT-associated PML (NAT-PML) in Austria. METHODS Retrospective study based on identification of cases in the nationwide Austrian MS treatment registry (AMSTR) and MS centers with review of patient records. The expanded disability status scale (EDSS) was used to measure neurological disability and outcome. RESULTS As of December 2022, we identified 15 NAT-PML cases in Austria; only 20% occurred after 2016, when increased vigilance commenced. Two patients did not survive acute PML, and an additional patient died five years later, yielding a mortality rate of 20%. Seizures occurred exclusively in patients with pronounced EDSS increase. Gadolinium (Gd)-enhancement on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on PML suspicion was associated with minor changes of post-PML neurological disability. Long-term follow-up of up to 132 months (median 76 months) was available in 11/15. The overall median EDSS increased from 3.5 at pre-PML to 6.5 at the last assessment. Regarding inflammatory MS-related disease activity during the observation period, one single individual experienced an MS relapse and another patient had two Gd-enhancing brain lesions. Three patients converted to progressive MS within three years from PML and the EDSS further increased in 6/11. CONCLUSIONS The number of NAT-PML cases is decreasing over time. While many patients accumulated severe persistent neurological deficits compared to pre-PML, inflammatory MS-related disease activity after PML recovery was rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Moser
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Georg Zimmermann
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Team Biostatistics and Big Medical Data, IDA Lab Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Research and Innovation, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Anna Baumgartner
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Berger
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabriel Bsteh
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franziska Di Pauli
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Elisabeth Fertl
- Department of Neurology, Klinik Landstrasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Heller
- Department of Neurology, Klinik Landstrasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Koppi
- Rehabilitation Clinic Montafon, Schruns, Austria
| | - Paulus S Rommer
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Johann Sellner
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
- Department of Neurology, Landesklinikum Mistelbach-Gänserndorf, Liechtensteinstrasse 67, 2130, Mistelbach, Austria.
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Corallo F, Sessa E, Rifici C, De Cola MC, Di Cara M, Cardile D, Venuti G, Bonfiglio N, D’Aleo G, Quartarone A, Lo Buono V. Anxiety and Perception of Disease Control in Multiple Sclerosis Subjects Treated with Natalizumab. J Clin Med 2023; 13:13. [PMID: 38202019 PMCID: PMC10779828 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis subjects treated with natalizumab face anxiety about developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), besides the psychological distress caused by the disease. The aim of this study is to investigate whether increasing the frequency of neurological and nuclear magnetic resonance screening may affect anxiety and the perception of disease control in patients treated with natalizumab. A total of 62 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients were recruited from 2019 to 2020. All patients received conventional infusion treatments with natalizumab, along with a screening protocol for PML. Three clinical assessments were considered: at the beginning of the study (T0), after 3 months (T1) and after 6 months (T2). Patients were classified into three levels of risk, where level 1 represented a low risk of PML and level 3 a high risk. This classification determined treatment and screening protocol, i.e., the frequency of performing the Stratify test and the brain 3T NMR exam, as well as the frequency of infusion treatments. Anxiety and perception of disease control were assessed at T0, T1, and T2 by a skilled psychologist. The Friedman test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to compare outcomes at baseline with the two follow-ups. Statistical test results showed that the risk of PML (per 1000 patients) was significantly lower in women than in men (W = 198.5; p = 0.01). Moreover, significant differences between baseline and the two follow-ups were found, both for anxiety (F(2) = 122.6, p < 0.001) and for perception of disease control (F(2) = 123.5, p < 0.001). In both cases, there was significant improvement between baseline (T0) and the end of the study (T2) in any risk level (p < 0.001). An increase in the number of follow-ups, as well as an increase in instrumental investigations, might have a positive effect on both anxiety and the perception of disease control. However, there are many variables involved in the disease process that have an impact on patients' psychological well-being. Therefore, further and more extensive studies are necessary to evaluate how, and how much, each variable impacts the disease course.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maria Cristina De Cola
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (F.C.); (C.R.); (M.D.C.); (D.C.); (G.V.); (N.B.); (G.D.); (A.Q.); (V.L.B.)
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Trinchillo A, Spiezia AL, Carotenuto A, Tedeschi E, Servillo G, Iacovazzi C, Borrelli F, Di Filippo G, Morra VB, Lanzillo R. Concomitant diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection: case report and the review of literature. Neurol Sci 2023:10.1007/s10072-023-06727-7. [PMID: 36930389 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06727-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, few cases of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with concomitant Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection have been described. However, none of the previously described cases has been treated with Natalizumab, probably due to the increasing risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). CASE We report the case of a patient concomitantly diagnosed for HIV infection and MS treated with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) and Natalizumab for 19 months, without clinical or radiological MS activity. CONCLUSIONS Our case might suggest considering Natalizumab in patients with concomitant HIV infection, especially for those with significant disease activity requiring a high efficacy disease modifying treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assunta Trinchillo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonio Luca Spiezia
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Carotenuto
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Enrico Tedeschi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Servillo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Iacovazzi
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Vincenzo Brescia Morra
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Lanzillo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
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Pape K, Rolfes L, Steffen F, Muthuraman M, Korsen M, Meuth SG, Zipp F, Bittner S. Comparative effectiveness of natalizumab versus ocrelizumab in multiple sclerosis: a real-world propensity score-matched study. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2022; 15:17562864221142924. [PMID: 36568489 PMCID: PMC9772974 DOI: 10.1177/17562864221142924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), a broad range of disease-modifying therapies (DMT) is available. However, few comparative effectiveness studies between different drugs have been performed. Objectives This study aimed to compare the efficacy and treatment continuation of natalizumab and ocrelizumab in a real-world cohort of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) from two German university hospitals. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of RRMS patients who initiated treatment with natalizumab or ocrelizumab between January 2016 and April 2019 at the German university hospitals of Mainz and Düsseldorf. Bayesian propensity score matching was conducted to correct for differences in baseline characteristics. Our primary outcome was no evidence of disease activity [NEDA-3: no relapses, no confirmed disability progression, and no magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity] and its subcomponents. Secondary outcomes included measurement of neurofilament light chain (NfL) in serum, analysis of premature discontinuation, and evidence of rebound activity in patients switching from natalizumab to ocrelizumab. Results We identified 63 patients starting treatment with natalizumab and 76 patients starting with ocrelizumab. Binary logistic regression showed that treatment with natalizumab or a higher number of relapses in the previous year were independently associated with a higher risk for relapses. Patients receiving natalizumab had a higher probability of premature discontinuation of therapy (p = 0.002). After propensity score matching of the two treatment arms, 55 patients remained per group. NEDA-3 after 30 months of follow-up was reached by 53.1% in the ocrelizumab group and 36.1% in the natalizumab group (p = 0.177). Ocrelizumab was superior to natalizumab concerning the occurrence of relapses in log-rank test (p = 0.019). NfL levels in serum were low under both treatments. Patients who switched from natalizumab to ocrelizumab showed no increased rebound activity. Discussion This study provides class IV evidence that treatment of RRMS patients with ocrelizumab and natalizumab show comparable effectiveness in combined endpoints, while ocrelizumab might be more effective in preventing the occurrence of relapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Pape
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN), and Immunotherapy (FZI), Rhine-Main Neuroscience Network (rmn2), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Leoni Rolfes
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Falk Steffen
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN), and Immunotherapy (FZI), Rhine-Main Neuroscience Network (rmn2), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Muthuraman Muthuraman
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN), and Immunotherapy (FZI), Rhine-Main Neuroscience Network (rmn2), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Melanie Korsen
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sven G. Meuth
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Frauke Zipp
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN), and Immunotherapy (FZI), Rhine-Main Neuroscience Network (rmn2), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Hatchwell E, Smith EB, Jalilzadeh S, Bruno CD, Taoufik Y, Hendel-Chavez H, Liblau R, Brassat D, Martin-Blondel G, Wiendl H, Schwab N, Cortese I, Monaco MC, Imberti L, Capra R, Oksenberg JR, Gasnault J, Stankoff B, Richmond TA, Rancour DM, Koralnik IJ, Hanson BA, Major EO, Chow CR, Eis PS. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy genetic risk variants for pharmacovigilance of immunosuppressant therapies. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1016377. [PMID: 36588876 PMCID: PMC9795231 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1016377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare and often lethal brain disorder caused by the common, typically benign polyomavirus 2, also known as JC virus (JCV). In a small percentage of immunosuppressed individuals, JCV is reactivated and infects the brain, causing devastating neurological defects. A wide range of immunosuppressed groups can develop PML, such as patients with: HIV/AIDS, hematological malignancies (e.g., leukemias, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma), autoimmune disorders (e.g., psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus), and organ transplants. In some patients, iatrogenic (i.e., drug-induced) PML occurs as a serious adverse event from exposure to immunosuppressant therapies used to treat their disease (e.g., hematological malignancies and multiple sclerosis). While JCV infection and immunosuppression are necessary, they are not sufficient to cause PML. Methods We hypothesized that patients may also have a genetic susceptibility from the presence of rare deleterious genetic variants in immune-relevant genes (e.g., those that cause inborn errors of immunity). In our prior genetic study of 184 PML cases, we discovered 19 candidate PML risk variants. In the current study of another 152 cases, we validated 4 of 19 variants in both population controls (gnomAD 3.1) and matched controls (JCV+ multiple sclerosis patients on a PML-linked drug ≥ 2 years). Results The four variants, found in immune system genes with strong biological links, are: C8B, 1-57409459-C-A, rs139498867; LY9 (alias SLAMF3), 1-160769595-AG-A, rs763811636; FCN2, 9-137779251-G-A, rs76267164; STXBP2, 19-7712287-G-C, rs35490401. Carriers of any one of these variants are shown to be at high risk of PML when drug-exposed PML cases are compared to drug-exposed matched controls: P value = 3.50E-06, OR = 8.7 [3.7-20.6]. Measures of clinical validity and utility compare favorably to other genetic risk tests, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 screening for breast cancer risk and HLA-B*15:02 pharmacogenetic screening for pharmacovigilance of carbamazepine to prevent Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. Conclusion For the first time, a PML genetic risk test can be implemented for screening patients taking or considering treatment with a PML-linked drug in order to decrease the incidence of PML and enable safer use of highly effective therapies used to treat their underlying disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli Hatchwell
- Population Bio UK, Inc., Oxfordshire, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Eli Hatchwell
| | | | | | | | - Yassine Taoufik
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay and INSERM 1186, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Houria Hendel-Chavez
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay and INSERM 1186, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Roland Liblau
- Infinity, Université Toulouse, CNRS, INSERM, UPS, Toulouse, France,Department of Immunology, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - David Brassat
- Infinity, Université Toulouse, CNRS, INSERM, UPS, Toulouse, France,Department of Immunology, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Guillaume Martin-Blondel
- Infinity, Université Toulouse, CNRS, INSERM, UPS, Toulouse, France,Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Toulouse University Hospital Center, Toulouse, France
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology With Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nicholas Schwab
- Department of Neurology With Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Irene Cortese
- Experimental Immunotherapeutics Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Maria Chiara Monaco
- Viral Immunology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Luisa Imberti
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica AIL (CREA) and Diagnostic Department, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Ruggero Capra
- Lombardia Multiple Sclerosis Network, Brescia, Italy
| | - Jorge R. Oksenberg
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jacques Gasnault
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Bruno Stankoff
- Department of Neurology, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Igor J. Koralnik
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Barbara A. Hanson
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Eugene O. Major
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | | | - Peggy S. Eis
- Population Bio, Inc., New York, NY, United States,Peggy S. Eis
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Perncezky J, Sellner J. Natalizumab extended-interval dosing in multiple sclerosis to mitigate progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy risk: initial study evidence and real-world experience. J Cent Nerv Syst Dis 2022; 14:11795735221135485. [PMID: 36277271 PMCID: PMC9580073 DOI: 10.1177/11795735221135485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The high efficacy of natalizumab in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) is without controversy. Indeed, effective disease control was not only demonstrated in the pivotal trials but has been corroborated impressively in real-world observations. This monoclonal IgG4 antibody blocks the α4β1 integrin-mediated leukocyte-endothelial interaction and thereby inhibits the migration of immune cells to the brain parenchyma. However, treatment with natalizumab carries the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). This potentially lethal side effect is a significant limitation for treatment initiation and long-term therapy. Natalizumab is given intravenously or subcutaneously in the standard dose of 300 mg every 4 weeks, allowing drug concentrations at levels that ensure continuous α4β1 integrin receptor saturation on the surface of immune cells. Extended-interval dosing (EID) is an emerging treatment approach that aims to mitigate the natalizumab-related PML risk by prolonging the standard infusion intervals to 6 weeks or even more. This treatment approach may abrogate the PML risk due to improved immune surveillance within the central nervous system while maintaining clinical efficacy. Moreover, even an individual interval dosing can be envisioned based on the availability of a biomarker that is capable of monitoring both safety and efficacy aspects. This review summarizes the early and encouraging evidence for EID from observational and randomized-controlled trials and discusses current limitations and upcoming challenges for introducing a tailored treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Perncezky
- Department of Neurology, Landesklinikum Mistelbach-Gänserndorf, Mistelbach, Austria
| | - Johann Sellner
- Department of Neurology, Landesklinikum Mistelbach-Gänserndorf, Mistelbach, Austria,Johann Sellner, Department of Neurology, Landesklinikum Mistelbach-Gänserndorf, Liechtensteinstr 67, Mistelbach 2130, Austria.
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O’Hara BA, Gee GV, Haley SA, Morris-Love J, Nyblade C, Nieves C, Hanson BA, Dang X, Turner TJ, Chavin JM, Lublin A, Koralnik IJ, Atwood WJ. Teriflunomide Inhibits JCPyV Infection and Spread in Glial Cells and Choroid Plexus Epithelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189809. [PMID: 34575975 PMCID: PMC8468119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several classes of immunomodulators are used for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Most of these disease-modifying therapies, except teriflunomide, carry the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a severely debilitating, often fatal virus-induced demyelinating disease. Because teriflunomide has been shown to have antiviral activity against DNA viruses, we investigated whether treatment of cells with teriflunomide inhibits infection and spread of JC polyomavirus (JCPyV), the causative agent of PML. Treatment of choroid plexus epithelial cells and astrocytes with teriflunomide reduced JCPyV infection and spread. We also used droplet digital PCR to quantify JCPyV DNA associated with extracellular vesicles isolated from RRMS patients. We detected JCPyV DNA in all patients with confirmed PML diagnosis (n = 2), and in six natalizumab-treated (n = 12), two teriflunomide-treated (n = 7), and two nonimmunomodulated (n = 2) patients. Of the 21 patients, 12 (57%) had detectable JCPyV in either plasma or serum. CSF was uniformly negative for JCPyV. Isolation of extracellular vesicles did not increase the level of detection of JCPyV DNA versus bulk unprocessed biofluid. Overall, our study demonstrated an effect of teriflunomide inhibiting JCPyV infection and spread in glial and choroid plexus epithelial cells. Larger studies using patient samples are needed to correlate these in vitro findings with patient data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany A. O’Hara
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (B.A.O.); (S.A.H.); (J.M.-L.); (C.N.); (C.N.)
| | - Gretchen V. Gee
- MassBiologics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01601, USA;
| | - Sheila A. Haley
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (B.A.O.); (S.A.H.); (J.M.-L.); (C.N.); (C.N.)
| | - Jenna Morris-Love
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (B.A.O.); (S.A.H.); (J.M.-L.); (C.N.); (C.N.)
| | - Charlotte Nyblade
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (B.A.O.); (S.A.H.); (J.M.-L.); (C.N.); (C.N.)
| | - Chris Nieves
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (B.A.O.); (S.A.H.); (J.M.-L.); (C.N.); (C.N.)
| | - Barbara A. Hanson
- Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60007, USA; (B.A.H.); (X.D.); (I.J.K.)
| | - Xin Dang
- Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60007, USA; (B.A.H.); (X.D.); (I.J.K.)
| | | | | | - Alex Lublin
- Sanofi, Cambridge, MA 02114, USA; (T.J.T.); (J.M.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Igor J. Koralnik
- Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60007, USA; (B.A.H.); (X.D.); (I.J.K.)
| | - Walter J. Atwood
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (B.A.O.); (S.A.H.); (J.M.-L.); (C.N.); (C.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-401-863-3116
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Efthimios D, Georgios K, Antonia A, Rania G, Maria-Eleutheria E. Long-Term Effectiveness of Natalizumab in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Treated in the Routine Care in Greece: Results from the Multicenter, Observational 5-Year Prospective Study 'TOPICS Greece'. Clin Drug Investig 2021; 41:865-874. [PMID: 34427893 PMCID: PMC8481212 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-021-01073-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES For chronic diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), real-world evidence on long-term treatment outcomes is essential. The study aimed to provide long-term data on the safety and effectiveness of natalizumab in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) treated in a routine care setting in Greece. METHODS TOPICS Greece was a multicenter, single-country, prospective 5-year observational study. RESULTS Between 19-Apr-2012 and 18-Dec-2014, 304 eligible adults [females: 63.2%; median age at natalizumab initiation: 38.0 years; median disease duration: 6.2 years; median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score at baseline: 3.5] were enrolled in the study by 20 hospital-based neurologists. The 1-year annualized relapse rate (ARR) before treatment initiation was 1.859, while the ARR during the first year of treatment was 0.131, representing a significant 93% reduction (p < 0.001). The ARR over the median treatment period of 59.4 months was 0.109. Patients with ≤1 relapse in the pre-natalizumab year (46.1%) and those having received ≤1 prior disease-modifying therapy (57.9%) displayed significantly lower on-natalizumab ARR. The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-year cumulative probabilities of EDSS progression were 3.2, 6.2, 9.7, 13.4, and 17.4%, respectively; the respective probabilities of EDSS disability improvement were 18.3, 25.1, 27.4, 28.0, and 30.1%. Over a median safety data collection period of 48.7 months, 4.6% of the patients experienced ≥ 1 serious adverse event, with infections (reported in 1.0%) being the most common. CONCLUSION In real-world settings in Greece, natalizumab displayed beneficial long-term effects on disease activity and disability progression consistent with previous studies with no new serious safety signals emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dardiotis Efthimios
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, 41100, Larissa, Greece
| | - Karachalios Georgios
- CNS Department, Genesis Pharma SA, 270 Kifisias avenue, p.c. 15232, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexopoulou Antonia
- CNS Department, Genesis Pharma SA, 270 Kifisias avenue, p.c. 15232, Athens, Greece
| | - Gourgioti Rania
- CNS Department, Genesis Pharma SA, 270 Kifisias avenue, p.c. 15232, Athens, Greece.
| | - Evangelopoulos Maria-Eleutheria
- Demyelinating Diseases Unit, First Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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