title: B cells and autoantibodies: complex roles in CNS injury.
abstract: Emerging data indicate that traumatic injury to the brain or spinal cord activates B lymphocytes, culminating in the production of antibodies specific for antigens found within and outside the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we summarize what is known about the effects of CNS injury on B cells. We outline the potential mechanisms for CNS trauma-induced B cell activation and discuss the potential consequences of these injury-induced B cell responses. On the basis of recent data, we hypothesize that a subset of autoimmune B cell responses initiated by CNS injury are pathogenic and that targeted inhibition of B cells could improve recovery in cases of brain and spinal cord injury.
authors.affiliation: Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Medical Center, 460W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
authors.forename: Daniel P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Ankeny
authors.forename: Phillip G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Popovich
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology*; D015551:Autoimmunity; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000276:immunology* / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies