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

cells contribute to MS pathogenesis through antibody-dependent and antibody-independent mechanisms Review (2862) Total Article Views Authors: Wilson HL Published Date May 2012 Volume 2012:6 Pages 117 - 123 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/BTT.S24734 Received: 15 February 2012 Accepted: 27 March 2012 Published: 07 May 2012 Heather L Wilson1,2 1Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Center, 2Department of Biochemistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada 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.