ALPHA-INTERFERON TREATMENT IN MYASTHENIA-GRAVIS - EFFECTS ON NATURAL-KILLER-CELL ACTIVITY

The efficacy of recombinant interferon-alpha (rIFN alpha). on natural killer (NE;) cell cytotoxic activity, CD3 +, CD4 +, CDS +, CD56 +, HLA - DR + lymphocyte counts, anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR Ab) levels, single fibre electromyography findings (SFEMG) and clinica l course were evaluated in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). Durin g the IFN alpha treatment (3 mu, subcutaneous, 3 times a week). NK cel l cytotoxicity and CD4 -/8 + ratio increased, NK cell count remarkably decreased, and no significant clinical or SFEMG changes were observed . This preliminary open study in MC patients has demonstrated enhanced NK activity per unit NK cell after IFN alpha therapy. Although lympho cyte phenotypes and NK function approached normal levels during therap y, a higher dose of IFN alpha may be required for a significant clinic al response. It ha:, been also concluded that 6 months of IFN alpha th erapy seems to be safe in MG, though in patients with malignancy. IFN alpha may cause increased autoimmunity, AChR positivity and MG. (C) 19 96 Elsevier Science B.V.