Transmigration of PBMNCs from beta-IFN-lb-treated MS patients: a one-year longitudinal study

To evaluate the effects of in vivo beta -IFN-1b treatment on transmigration of mononuclear cells, we monitored for one year in vitro mononuclear cells trafficking through HUVECs monolayers stratified over a collagen gel durin g beta -IEFN-1b treatment of 7 RR MS patients. The number of transmigrated cells was analysed before treatment (T0) and af ter 3 (T3), 6 (T6) and 12 months (T12); at the same time, levels of serum M MP-9 were quantified. The number of transmigrated cells decreased during treatment compared to pr e-treatment values: the lowest number of transmigrated cells was detected a t T3, and, although transmigration was still lower at T12, there was a tren d to a return to pre-treatment levels over time. The amount of MMP-9 also decreased during therapy, although we could not fi nd an absolute correlation between transmigration and levels of MMP-9, nor between either parameter and the clinical course of patients.