Expression of melanoma cell adhesion molecule-1 (MCAM-1) in natalizumab-treated multiple sclerosis

• Published in: Journal of neuroimmunology 2019-12, Vol.337, p.577085-577085, Article 577085
• Main Authors: Petersen, E.R., Ammitzbøll, C., Søndergaard, H.B., Oturai, A.B., Sørensen, P.S., Nilsson, A.C., Börnsen, L., von Essen, M., Sellebjerg, F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adhesion molecules; ALCAM; Blood-brain barrier; MCAM-1; Multiple sclerosis; Natalizumab
• ISSN: 0165-5728; 1872-8421
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2019.577085

The objectives were to study the expression of very late antigen (VLA)-4, melanoma cell adhesion molecule-1 (MCAM-1) and activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) on CD4+ T cells during natalizumab treatment and to investigate the association with disease activity. We find that subgroups of autoreactive T cells are retained in peripheral blood, in particular MOG-reactive CD4+ T cells expressing MCAM-1. The expression of MCAM-1 or ALCAM on CD4+ T cells was, however, not clearly associated with disease activity (clinical or MRI) during natalizumab treatment. We confirm upregulation of MCAM-1 on CD4+ T cells during natalizumab treatment while VLA-4 is downregulated. [Display omitted] •Natalizumab treated patients had a lower percentage of CD4+ T cells in CSF expressing VLA-4.•Natalizumab treated patients had a higher percentage of CD4+ T cells expressing MCAM-1 in CSF.•Natalizumab treated patients had a higher percentage of MOG-reactive CD4+ T cells in blood.•Stable natalizumab patients had a higher increase of MOG-reactive CD4+ T cells expressing MCAM-1 in blood.•No association between disease activity and expression of MCAM-1 or ALCAM in blood of natalizumab-treated patients