Mode of action of BETAFERON in MS


 

Interferons belong to the family of naturally occurring proteins known as cytokines [1]. BETAFERON is a type I interferon and has shown antiviral and immunoregulatory activities in preclinical studies [1-3]. In MS, BETAFERON modulates the immune system at many levels [2,3]. Gene expression studies found that long-term treatment with BETAFERON corrected MS induced gene dysregulations and activated immunoregulatory and neuroprotective genes [4].

Below is a simplified illustration of the immunopathogenesis of MS [3,5-7] and an overview of the pleiotropic mechanism of action of interferon beta seen in MS [2,3]:

 

(The mechanisms by which BETAFERON exerts its actions in MS are still not fully understood [1].)

 

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Simplified illustration of the immunopathogenesis of MS [3,5-7]

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Targets of interferon beta in MS [2,3]: Its exact mechanisms remain uncertain

References

  • BETAFERON European Summary of Product Characteristics, October 2020. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/betaferon-epar-product-information_en.pdf Return to content
  • Madsen C et al. Brain Behav 2017; 7: e00696. Return to content
  • Kasper LH, Reder AT. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2014; 1: 622-31. Return to content
  • Feng X et al. EBioMedicine 2019; 49: 269-83. Return to content
  • Kieseier B, CNS Drugs 2011; 25(6): 491-502. Return to content
  • Wiendl H, Kieseier B, Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2003; 12(4): 689-712. Return to content
  • https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-Helferzelle (Accessed Dec 30, 2020). Return to content
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