Antibody-independent B cell effector functions in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis: clues to increased inflammatory and reduced regulatory B cell capacity

Autoimmunity. 2012 Aug;45(5):400-14. doi: 10.3109/08916934.2012.665529. Epub 2012 Apr 18.

Abstract

The pathogenic role for B cells in the context of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) is incompletely defined. Although classically considered a T cell-mediated disease, B cell-depleting therapies showed efficacy in treating the clinical symptoms of RRMS without decreasing plasma cells or total immunoglobulin (Ig) levels. Here, we discuss the potential implications of antibody-independent B cell effector functions that could contribute to autoimmunity with particular focus on antigen presentation, cytokine secretion, and stimulation of T cell subsets. We highlight differences between memory and naïve B cells from MS patients such as our recent findings of hyper-proliferation from MS memory B cells in response to CD40 engagement. We discuss the implications of IL6 overproduction in contrast to limited IL10 production by B cells from MS patients and comment on the impact of these functions on yet unexplored aspects of B cells in autoimmune disease. Finally, we contextualize B cell effector functions with respect to current immunomodulatory therapies for MS and show that glatiramer acetate (GA) does not directly modulate B cell proliferation or cytokine secretion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Memory
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / immunology*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / metabolism

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Cytokines