Adhesion molecule expression indicates a therapeutical effect of natatizumab despite the presence of neutralizing antibodies

Objective: We report on serial α4-integrin expression levels of a patient with neutralizing anti-Natalizumab-antibodies. Background: Natalizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the adhesion molecule α4-integrin. Neutralizing anti-natalizumab-antibodies have been found to reduce the beneficial effects of Natalizumab treatment in multiple sclerosis (MS). Moreover, detection of high-titred neutralizing antibodies is associated with a higher risk of allergic side effects. Methods: We determined serially cell surface bound α4-integrin expression levels on peripheral blood mononuclear cells by the…