Genetics

Interferon-β, one of the oldest and most trusted treatments for multiple sclerosis, may work in a surprising way: by dialing down the energy supply of overactive immune cells. A study by Haghikia and colleagues shows that this therapy reduces the ability of CD4+ T cells to generate ATP, the “fuel” they need to drive inflammation, by directly affecting their mitochondria. The effect was dose-dependent, tied to shifts in energy-related genes, and even influenced by a patient’s genetic makeup. These findings suggest that IFN-β doesn’t just calm immune signals — it reprograms the very metabolism of immune cells, offering new clues for predicting treatment response and opening doors for more personalized therapies in MS.