Interferon Beta Reduces Binding of Three Components to RBCs, Study Finds

Interferon Beta Reduces Binding of Three Components to RBCs, Study Finds

Medications called interferon betas are common treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS), reducing relapses and slowing the decline in motor function. Interferon beta, a protein known to contain a zinc binding pocket, is thought to reduce pro-inflammatory molecules and even increase the production of anti-inflammatory species in MS patients. But researchers now report in ACS Chemical Neuroscience that the molecule reduces the binding of three components -; Zinc, C-peptide and albumin -; to red blood cells.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, nearly one million people in the United States and about 2.8 million people worldwide live with MS. This autoimmune disease damages the myelin sheath, an insulating layer of proteins and fats wrapped around nerves, resulting in impaired neuronal signaling. People with MS typically experience pain, numbness, and mobility problems that worsen over time.

Cells that form myelin are sensitive to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and nitric oxide (NO), molecules that are present in large quantities in the blood and brain lesions of MS patients. Red blood cells can release NO directly, but they can also stimulate NO production in the lining of blood vessels by releasing ATP. NO can then damage nerves in MS patients. zinc, C-peptide -; which is secreted by the pancreas along with insulin -; and albumin play a key role in the latter process and can bind to red blood cells. Since interferon beta can bind zinc, it seemed possible that the drug helped patients by soaking up this mineral, so Dana Spence and colleagues wanted to investigate further.

In laboratory tests, researchers found that red blood cells from MS patients bind more zinc, C-peptide and albumin than cells from control subjects. Treatment with beta-interferon reduced this interaction in MS samples to control levels. Albumin increased the binding of zinc and C-peptide to MS red blood cells, and this effect disappeared with interferon-beta treatment. From these data, the researchers conclude that it is likely that the drug inhibits albumin binding and prevents it from delivering its cargo of C-peptide and zinc to red blood cells so that NO can be made.

The authors acknowledge funding from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Source:

American Chemical Society

Reference:

Jacobs, M. et al. (2022) Interferon-β reduces the hypermetabolic state of red blood cells of patients with multiple sclerosis. ACS Chemical Neuroscience. doi.org/10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00332.

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