MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS - IL-2 AND SIL-2R LEVELS IN CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID AND SERUM - REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF ELISA PITFALLS

The presence of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and soluble IL-2 receptors (sIL-2 R) in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients suffering fr om multiple sclerosis (MS) has been extensively investigated. These st udies, however, have produced conflicting results. The only significan t finding concerns the frequent detection of increased sIL-2R levels i n the serum in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), especially after a short interval of time from the lost relapse. Whether this fi nding con be used for clinical purposes requires further investigation . A standardization of the ELISA methods used to detect cytokines in b iological fluids is urgently needed. increased serum and/or CSF levels of IL-2 and sIL-2R strongly confirm a CD4+Th I activation.