title: The Ins and Outs of B Cells in Multiple Sclerosis.
abstract: B cells play a central role in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology. B and plasma cells may contribute to disease activity through multiple mechanisms: antigen presentation, cytokine secretion, or antibody production. Molecular analyses of B cell populations in MS patients have revealed significant overlaps between peripheral lymphoid and clonally expanded central nervous system (CNS) B cell populations, indicating that B cell trafficking may play a critical role in driving MS exacerbations. In this review, we will assess our current knowledge of the mechanisms and pathways governing B cell migration into the CNS and examine evidence for and against a compartmentalized B cell response driving progressive MS pathology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Denver , Aurora, CO , USA.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Blauth
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Denver , Aurora, CO , USA.
authors.forename: Gregory P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Owens
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Denver , Aurora, CO , USA ; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Denver , Aurora, CO , USA ; Program in Neuroscience, University of Colorado Denver , Aurora, CO , USA.
authors.forename: Jeffrey L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Bennett
keywords: B cells; blood–brain barrier; chemokines; lymphocyte trafficking; multiple sclerosis