B cells in autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system

AbstractB cells are key players in humoral immune responses and have important roles in inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Accumulating evidence has indicated that antibody ‐independent B cell functions, antigen presentation to T cells, and the production of cytokines, are involved in the pathogenesis of CNS inflammatory diseases. However, the precise pathomechanisms of impaired B cell tolerance and production of autoantibodies against CNS autoantigens are still unkn own. In this review, we summarize the effector functions of B cells in the pathogenesis of the CNS autoimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.
Source: Clinical and Experimental Neuroimmunology - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: REVIEW ARTICLE (INVITED) Source Type: research