title: Pathogenetic role of autoantibodies in neurological diseases.
abstract: Autoreactive B cells and antibodies can be detected in a variety of neurological diseases. Their causative role has been established in some disorders and they are obviously involved in the pathogenesis of others. Some mechanisms engendering B-cell autoimmunity in animal models have been shown to operate in humans. Factors that determine B-cell immune-response patterns and the effector pathways have been identified. B-cell responses to CNS-restricted autoantigens are governed by distinctive immune reactions. Evidence has accumulated that the CNS is a permissive and, under inflammatory conditions, even a B-cell-supporting micro-environment. Data from human and animal experiments have enhanced our understanding of B-cell physiology in health and neurological disease, which has relevant diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
authors.affiliation: Multiple Sclerosis Research Group, Dept of Neurology, Karl-Franzens-Universität, Graz, Austria.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Archelos
authors.forename: H P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Hartung
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies