Translational Mini-Review Series on B cell subsets in disease. B cells in multiple sclerosis: Drivers of disease pathogenesis and Trojan horse for Epstein-Barr virus entry to the central nervous system?

U. C. Meier, G. Giovannoni, J. S. Tzartos, G. Khan

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

34 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The recent success of therapies directed at B cells has highlighted their potential as central players in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. Exciting new data showed that B cell depletion led to reduced clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of disease activity. However, the mechanisms of action remain unknown, but could involve autoantibody production, antigen presentation and/or cytokine production by B cells. Another exciting line of investigation in the field of MS comes from latent infection of memory B cells by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). These cells are hijacked as 'Trojan horses' and 'smuggle' the virus into the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, these new anti B cell treatments will also be likely to have anti-viral effects. We briefly review recent findings in the field of MS pathogenesis, and highlight promising new targets for therapeutic intervention in MS.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-6
Number of pages6
JournalClinical and Experimental Immunology
Volume167
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2012

Keywords

  • B cells
  • Epstein-Barr virus
  • Multiple sclerosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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