Beschreibung:
<jats:sec><jats:title>Aims and background</jats:title><jats:p>Multiple myeloma cells increase Th3 cytokine response by secreting TGF-β, which causes defective Th1 and Th2 cytokine responses. Therefore, a significant suppression of the immune system is seen in multiple myeloma. Interferon-α (IFN-α) is used in the treatment of multiple myeloma due to its immunomodulatory and anti-tumoral effects. We attempted to define the characteristics of immune cytokine responses and the effects of IFN-α-2a on the immune response in multiple myeloma.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Methods</jats:title><jats:p>Fifteen patients with multiple myeloma and 15 healthy controls were enrolled. IFN-α-2a, 3 million units/day x 3 times/week, was administered subcutaneously to the patients for 2 weeks. Cytokines (TGF-β, IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ) were assessed by the ELISA method in sera of the patients in pretreatment and posttreatment periods and in the sera of the controls.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results</jats:title><jats:p>IL-2 and IL-4 levels in patients, before IFN-α-2a, were lower than the controls, whereas TGF-β levels were higher than the controls. In other words, Th3 cytokine response was increased and Th1 and Th2 cytokine responses were decreased in patients. A short course of IFN-α-2a increased IL-2 levels.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title><jats:p>These findings suggest IFN-α-2a may enhance nonTh3 cytokine responses in multiple myeloma patients.</jats:p></jats:sec>