Immunostimulants
Glatiramer acetate is an immunostimulant with action on a range of immune cells. Its activity in MS may follow on from a subsequent effect of modulating adaptive functions of B and T cells inducing anti-inflammatory and regulatory cytokine secretion.11
Interferons are immunostimulant cytokines, but their role in MS is not understood. Interferon beta binds to cell-surface receptors leading to cascade reactions which express a range of components including proteins, enzymes, and microglobulin.11
Interferon beta effects can include up-regulating anti-inflammatory cytokines, down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting activated T cells migrating across the blood brain barrier. Interferon beta-1b has also been found to enhance the suppressor activity of other immune system cells.