Pegylated interferon-{alpha}-2b reduces corticosteroid requirement in patients with Behcet's disease with upregulation of circulating regulatory T cells and reduction of Th17

Conclusions The addition of peginterferon-α-2b to the drug regime of BD patients did not significantly reduce their corticosteroid dose required at 1 year. However, in those on corticosteroids at baseline post hoc analysis demonstrated that the addition of peginterferon-α-2b did result in a significant reduction in corticosteroid dose with a significantly improved quality of life and trend to reduce other required immunosuppressive agents. This effect was seen at 1 year and associated with a rise in Tregs suggesting a possible mode for interferon action. Trial registration number ISRCTN 36354474; EudraCT 2004-004301-18.
Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases - Category: Rheumatology Authors: Tags: Immunology (including allergy), Ophthalmology, Drugs: musculoskeletal and joint diseases, Vascularitis Clinical and epidemiological research Source Type: research