Profile of Cytokines Associated with SARS-CoV2 Seropositivity in Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Its Persistence over Six Months

TL;DR

This study found that multiple sclerosis patients who had SARS-CoV-2 infections showed different cytokine levels and that IL-18 may indicate lasting immunity.

Contribution

The study identifies a unique cytokine profile in MS patients with SARS-CoV-2 exposure and highlights IL-18 as a marker for sustained antibody response.

Findings

Seropositive MS patients had lower baseline levels of IL-10, IL-23, and IFN-α compared to seronegative individuals.

Higher baseline IL-18 levels were associated with persistent IgG antibodies six months after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Abstract

Background: Patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) receiving disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) may exhibit altered immune responses to infections such as SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to characterize the cytokine profiles associated with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and to identify immune markers related to the persistence of the humoral response in pwMS. Methods: A total of 90 pwMS were recruited before the introduction of COVID-19 vaccination in Spain; 46 were seropositive—defined by the presence of IgG, IgM, or IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2—and 44 were seronegative. We compared baseline cytokine levels between groups and followed seropositive individuals for six months to assess IgG antibody persistence. Results: Seropositive patients showed significantly lower baseline levels of IL-10, IL-23, and IFN-α compared to seronegative individuals. Notably, elevated IL-18 at baseline was associated with persistent IgG seropositivity at six months. Conclusions: These findings suggest a distinct cytokine profile in SARS-CoV-2–exposed pwMS and highlight IL-18 as a potential marker of sustained humoral response. This study provides insight into host-virus immune dynamics in MS patients and may help guide future strategies for infection monitoring and immune evaluation in this population.

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