Abstract Details

Title Humoral immunological memory is retained in patients with multiple sclerosis receiving cladribine therapy

Topic Multiple Sclerosis

Presentation(s) P6 - Poster Session 6 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 12-008

Background

Cladribine (CLAD) is a lymphodepleting agent approved for active relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). The impact of CLAD on the adaptive humoral immune system has not sufficiently been studied.

Objective

To assess the influence of CLAD treatment on specific antibody titers to common pathogens.

Design/Methods

We included 18 MS patients treated with CLAD. Serum IgG antibody levels to measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B and varicella zoster virus (VZV), as well as diphtheria and tetanus toxins were measured prior to the initiation of treatment and at 12 and 24 months from first CLAD administration. Moreover, specimens were longitudinally analyzed regarding absolute blood concentrations of IgG and main lymphocyte subsets.

Results

No reduction of antibody levels against measles, mumps, rubella, VZV, hepatitis B, diphtheria toxin and tetanus toxin associated with CLAD treatment was observed. Loss of seroprotection occurred in < 1%. We found no significant impact of CLAD on absolute serum IgG levels. Absolute lymphocyte counts were significantly reduced at the end of each treatment year (p < 0.00001 and p < 0.000001).

Conclusions

This study suggests that CLAD does not interfere with the humoral immunologic memory in terms of pathogen-specific antibody titers.

Authors/Disclosures
Tobias Moser PRESENTER	Mr. Moser has nothing to disclose.
	No disclosure on file
Peter Wipfler	Peter Wipfler has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Novartis. Peter Wipfler has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Biogen. Peter Wipfler has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Roche. Peter Wipfler has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Sanofi. Peter Wipfler has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Merck. Peter Wipfler has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for BMS/Celgene. Peter Wipfler has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Janssen. Peter Wipfler has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Merck. Peter Wipfler has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Novartis. Peter Wipfler has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for BMS. Peter Wipfler has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Merck.