B cells contribute to MS pathogenesis through antibody-dependent and antibody-independent mechanisms

Abstract

For many years, central dogma defined multiple sclerosis (MS) as a T cell-driven autoimmune disorder; however, over the past decade there has been a burgeoning recognition that B cells contribute to the pathogenesis of certain MS disease subtypes. B cells may contribute to MS pathogenesis through production of autoantibodies (or antibodies directed at foreign bodies, which unfortunately cross-react with self-antigens), through promotion of T cell activation via antigen presentation, or through production of cytokines. This review highlights evidence for antibody-dependent and antibody-independent B cell involvement in MS pathogenesis.

Keywords: T cells; T regulatory cells; antibody targets; autoantibodies; clinically isolated MS; primary progressive MS; relapsing and remitting MS; secondary progressive MS.