Indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) expression and activity in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production induces the transcription of indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) resulting in the reduction of T-cell activation and proliferation through the depletion of tryptophan and the elicitation of Treg lymphocytes. IDO was shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases; we investigated whether changes in IDO gene expression and activity could be indicative of onset of relapse inmultiple sclerosis (MS) patients.