B Cells and Autoantibodies in Multiple Sclerosis

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Anne-Katrin Prཫstel¹  Nicholas S. R. Sanderson¹  Tobias Derfuss¹  Christoph Kleinschnitz² 

[1] Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4 & Clinical Neuroimmunology, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; E-Mails:Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4 & Clinical Neuroimmunology, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;

关键词: multiple sclerosis;    neuromyelitis optica;    B cells;    autoantibodies;    autoantigen;    pathogenesis;    therapy;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijms160716576

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

While over the past decades T cells have been considered key players in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), it has only recently become evident that B cells have a major contributing role. Our understanding of the role of B cells has evolved substantially following the clinical success of B cell-targeting therapies and increasing experimental evidence for significant B cell involvement. Rather than mere antibody-producing cells, it is becoming clear that they are team players with the capacity to prime and regulate T cells, and function both as pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. However, despite tremendous efforts, the target antigen(s) of B cells in MS have yet to be identified. The first part of this review summarizes the clinical evidence and results from animal studies pointing to the relevance of B cells in the pathogenesis of MS. The second part gives an overview of the currently known potential autoantigen targets. The third part recapitulates and critically appraises the currently available B cell-directed therapies.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.