We studied the effect of recombinant interferon-β1b (IFN-β1b) on the sensitivity to glucocorticoids (GC) and on the number of GC receptors (GCR) in the human monocytic cell line THP-1. We found that IFN-β1b augments the suppressive effect that dexamethasone has on the stimulated production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), most likely related to the increased number of GCR observed after exposure to IFN-β1b. This provides a possible clue to the mechanism of action of IFN-β in multiple sclerosis.

doi.org/10.1089/107999001750133113, hdl.handle.net/1765/55786
Journal of Interferon and Cytokine Research
Department of Internal Medicine

Uitdehaag, B., Hoekstra, K., Koper, J., Polman, C. H., & Dijkstra, C. (2001). IFN-β1b augments glucocorticoid-induced suppression of tumor necrosis factor-α production by increasing the number of glucocorticoid receptors on a human monocytic cell line. Journal of Interferon and Cytokine Research, 21(3), 133–135. doi:10.1089/107999001750133113