Transcriptional Effects of Fingolimod Treatment on Peripheral T Cells in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Aim:To investigate the transcriptional changes induced by Fingolimod (FTY) in T cells of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients. Patients & methods:Transcriptomic changes after 6 months of FTY therapy were evaluated on T cells from 24 relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients through RNA-sequencing, followed by technical validation and pathway analysis. Results:Among differentially expressed genes, CX3CR1and CCR7resulted strongly up- and downregulated, respectively. Two relevant genes were validated with quantitative PCR and we largely confirmed findings from two previous microarray-based studies with similar design. Pathway analysis pointed to an involvement of processes related to immune function and cell migration. Conclusion:Our data support the evidence that FTY induces major transcriptional changes in genes involved in immune response and cell trafficking in T lymphocytes.