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Effects of Interferon-α-2a on Th3 Cytokine Response in Multiple Myeloma Patients

Aims and background 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. Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusions These findings suggest IFN-α-2a may enhance nonTh3 cytokine responses in multiple myeloma patients.