Increased Intrathecal Chemokine Receptor CCR2 Expression in Multiple Sclerosis

Expression of CCR2, CXCR3 and CCR4 on CD4(+) T or CD8(+) T cells in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for multiple sclerosis (MS) was measured by 3-color flow cytometry, and compared to blood from healthy controls and CSF from patients with other inflammatory neurological diseases (INDs). CD4(+)CXCR3(+)/CD4(+)CCR4(+) ratio (representing Th1/Th2 balance) was higher in both CSF and blood of MS patients than those of IND patients or healthy controls. Percentage of CCR2-positive T cells was significantly higher in CSF from MS patients. Increased CCR2 expression on T cells in CSF and Th1/Th2 imbalance may reflect the pathological processes involved in MS.