Role of interferon-beta in Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis antibody response in Sardinian MS patients

Background Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is associated with MS in Sardinia. Because anti-MAP antibodies (Abs) were more frequent in interferon-beta treated patients, we hypothesize that interferon-beta could interact with the immune system. Methods Anti-MAP Abs were searched in the blood of 89 patients before commencing interferon-beta and after at least six months. Results Anti-MAP Abs were detected before and during treatment in 18.7% and 34.7% of patients, respectively. Twenty-three (20.5%) patients became positive during therapy, and 5 (4.4%) patients became negative (p = 0.001). Conclusions The study supports the hypothesis that interferon-beta could interact with the immune system, enhancing the immunological response against MAP.