Patent ID: 8426170
Filing Date: 2013-04-23
Classification: C12Q

Abstract:
1. A method for evaluating the in vivo presence of a factor that prevents the biological effect of an IFN-β in an individual that is under treatment of multiple sclerosis with said IFN-β comprising: obtaining a first and second whole blood sample from said individual prior to a subsequent administration of IFN-β to said individual, incubating the first whole blood sample of said individual in vitro in the presence of a suitable amount of said IFN-β for a suitable period of time, performing PCR to determine mRNA levels of the type I IFN-inducible gene encoding myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) in said first whole blood sample, wherein said factor comprises antibodies directed against an IFN-β, and wherein said MxA mRNA level is compared to that of the second whole blood sample of the same individual incubated for the same period of time in the absence of IFN-β; and evaluating the in vivo presence of antibodies directed against an IFN-β in said individual based upon comparison of the first whole blood sample with the second whole blood sample.