HLA class II and response to interferon-beta in multiple sclerosis

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Abstract
Objective – To study the relationship between human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genotype and clinical response to interferon‐beta (IFN‐β). Methods – We analysed the HLA class II genotypes of 96 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with IFN‐β. The patients were classified as responders or non‐responders according to clinical criteria: one or more relapses or a sustained increase after 1 year treatment compared with the year prior to IFN‐β therapy of ≥0.5 points on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Results – There were 66 (69%) responders and 30 (31%) non‐responders. Baseline clinical characteristics were similar. We found no association between HLA class II alleles and clinical response to IFN‐β. Conclusions – HLA genotype does not appear to influence the clinical response to IFN‐β in MS patients.