More to come: humoral immune responses in MS.
Interest in the role of B-cells in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis has increased, and a number of B-cell targeted therapies are currently in clinical trials. B-cells are key mediators of the humoral immune response, with roles including antibody production and acting as antigen presenting cells. Whilst previously, the presence of B-cells within MS plaques has been thought to be secondary to T-cell dysregulation, it is now becoming clear that B-cells play an independent role in disease. In this review we will discuss the potential role of B-cells in MS, how this influences our understanding of the disease, and potential therapeutic implications.
Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, London E1 2AT, UK. ruth.dobson@qmul.ac.uk
Ruth
R
Dobson
Ute C
UC
Meier
Gavin
G
Giovannoni
D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D056724:Immunity, Humoral / Q000276:immunology; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D000069283:Rituximab
D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D000069283:Rituximab