Cytokine mRNA profile of Epstein–Barr virus-stimulated highly differentiated T cells in multiple sclerosis: A pilot study

The reason why EBV-specific cellular immune responses are abnormal in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is still missing. In this exploratory pilot study, we assessed IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, TGF-β1 and FOXP3 mRNA expression in EBV-stimulated highly differentiated T cells (THD) of MS patients and healthy controls (HC). We found increased levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 mRNA in CD8+ THD cells of MS patients. All the other tested molecules were expressed similarly in MS patients and HC. Interestingly, increased IFN-γ and IL-4 suggest that the control of EBV replication may be insufficient in MS patients.