Figure 4. IFN-β-1a treatment decreases the percentage of Th22 and Th17 cells.

IFN-β-1a treatment significantly decreased the percentages of IL-22– and IL-17F–producing CD4⁺ T cells (A), and IL-17A– and IL-17F–producing CD8⁺ T cells in patients with RRMS (B). Fresh PBMCs from 21 patients with RRMS at baseline and after 6 months of IFN-β-1a treatment were used for intracellular cytokine staining. The percentages of CD4⁺ or CD8⁺ T cells expressing indicated cytokines were determined by flow cytometry. Statistical analysis was performed using a paired t test. IFN-β-1a = interferon β-1a; IL = interleukin; PBMC = peripheral blood mononuclear cell; RRMS = relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.