Insights into the role of B cells in the cortical pathology of Multiple sclerosis: evidence from animal models and patients

MIGLIETTA, ESTEBAN; FERRARI, CARINA CINTIA; SILVA, BERENICE ANABEL

Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders

Elsevier B.V.

Año: 2021 vol. 50

2211-0348

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects both white and gray matter. Although it has beentraditionally considered as a T cell mediated disease, the role of B cell in MS pathology has become a topic of great research interest. Cortical lesions, key feature ofthe progressive forms of MS, are involved in cognitive impairment and worsening of the patients? outcome. These lesions present pathognomonic hallmarks, such as:absence of blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, limited inflammatory events, reactive microglia, neurodegeneration, demyelination and meningeal inflammation. Bcells located in the meninges, either as part of diffuse inflammation or as part of follicle-like structures, are strongly associated with cortical damage. The function ofCD20-expressing B cells in MS is further highlighted by the success of specific therapies using anti-CD20 antibodies. The possible roles of B cells in pathology gobeyond their ability to produce antibodies, as they also present antigens to T cells, secrete cytokines (both pathogenic and protective) within the CNS to modulate Tand myeloid cell functions, and are involved in meningeal inflammation. Here, we will review the contributions of B cells to the pathogenesis of meningealinflammation and cortical lesions in MS patients as well as in preclinical animal models.