Role of B  cells in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system. Traditionally, it has been considered to be mediated primarily by T  cells, and the contribution of B cells in the pathogenesis of MS has long been debated. However, clinical success of B-cell depletion therapies targeting CD20 has established the essential role of B cells in the pathogenesis of MS. Because CD20-targeting B-cell depletion therapies primarily have their effect on non-antibody secreting cells, emerging studies have dedicated intense focus on B-cell functions beyond antibody production, which include cytokine production, antigen presentation and ectopic lymphoid follicle-like structure formation. However, the failure of atacicept, which target s the B-cell survival factors and a proliferation-inducing ligand, suggests that B cells potentially have a dual role in the pathogenesis of MS and the role of B cells in MS is highly complex. This review will discuss the B-cell involvement in the pathogenesis of MS.
Source: Clinical and Experimental Neuroimmunology - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: INVITED REVIEW Source Type: research