Effect of interferon beta-1a on B7.1 and B7.2 B-cell expression and its impact on T-cell proliferation.

The effect of pharmacologically relevant doses of interferon (IFN) β-1a on B-cell expression of B7.1 and B7.2 was investigated. Culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with IFN β-1a 100 IU/mL decreased B-cell expression of B7.1 and increased B7.2 expression. Interleukin-10 in B cells was significantly enhanced by IFN β-1a. Anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody-mediated T-cell proliferations were partially suppressed in the presence of B cells pretreated with IFN β-1a. These data suggest that IFN β-1a and B cells can interact to play a beneficial role in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.