title: B-cell differentiation in the CNS of patients with multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Clonally expanded populations of Ig variable gene-mutated B cells are found in the central nervous system (CNS) of subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS), suggesting the occurrence of a germinal center-like reaction. Recent studies have demonstrated that the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of MS patients is enriched with centroblasts and B cells with a memory phenotype compared to peripheral blood. In the same individuals, antibody-secreting cells (ASC) are detected in the CSF and appear to correlate with CNS inflammation. These B-cell subsets are the output of a germinal center reaction, which is likely to occur in the CNS. Recent findings suggest that the inflamed brain can become a favorable niche for B-cell survival and proliferation and, under some circumstances, sustain the formation of ectopic lymphoid structures. Thus, B cells are likely to expand and mature inside the CNS, giving rise to ASC, which may play an effector role in the pathogenesis of MS.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Oncology, Department of Experimental and Laboratory Medicine, Scientific G. Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Corcione
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Aloisi
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Serafini
authors.forename: Elisabetta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Capello
authors.forename: Giovanni Luigi
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Mancardi
authors.forename: Vito
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Pistoia
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Uccelli
mesh_terms: D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD