The role of noradrenaline in regulating the interaction between CD14⁺ monocytes and CD4⁺ T cells in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects young people. It has been established that CD14⁺ monocytes and T-helpers (CD4⁺ T cells) play an important role in both the development and maintenance of autoimmune neuroinflammation in MS. Noradrenaline is one of the key neurotransmitters of the CNS, which, along with regulating neuropsychological functions, also participates in the modulation of cells of the innate and adaptive immune response.

Objective: to investigate the effect of noradrenaline on CD14⁺ monocyte-induced activation of CD4⁺ T cells in patients with relapsing-remitting MS.

Materials and methods. A comprehensive clinical and immunological examination was conducted on 12 patients with relapsing-remitting MS and 12 healthy donors. The effect of noradrenaline on the production of interleukin 6 (IL6) and IL1 β by CD14⁺ monocytes, which are necessary for the differentiation of Th17 cells, as well as on the activation of the PKA–CREB signalling pathway in CD14⁺ monocytes, was assessed. In addition, the effect of noradrenaline on the ability of CD14⁺ monocytes to induce the production of IL17 and interferon γ by autologous CD4⁺ T cells was evaluated.

Results. Noradrenaline suppressed cytokine production by CD14⁺ monocytes in both groups, as well as activation of the PKA–CREB signalling pathway in the group of healthy donors. Noradrenaline also suppressed the ability of CD14⁺ monocytes to induce IL17 production by autologous CD4⁺ T cells in both groups.

Conclusion. Preliminary data indicate that noradrenaline has an anti-inflammatory effect in MS, which may be mediated by its influence on the function of CD14⁺ monocytes.

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