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Published in: Drugs 18/2010

01-12-2010 | Leading Article

The Potential Role of B Cell-Targeted Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis

Authors: Aaron Boster, Daniel P. Ankeny, Dr Michael K. Racke

Published in: Drugs | Issue 18/2010

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Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS. Until recently, most therapeutic interventions have targeted T cells in the treatment of MS. Recent data show that B cells also have a role in the pathogenesis of MS. The cerebrospinal fluid and CNS of MS patients contain B cells, plasma cells and immunoglobulins, and recent data indicate that B cells are involved in antigen presentation and T-cell activation, cytokine production, antibody secretion, demyelination and remyelination in MS. These advances in the understanding of B cells and their role in the pathophysiology of MS provide a strong rationale for B cell-targeted therapies. Recent clinical trials with rituximab highlight the possibility that B cells should be an important therapeutic target in patients with MS.
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Metadata
Title
The Potential Role of B Cell-Targeted Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors
Aaron Boster
Daniel P. Ankeny
Dr Michael K. Racke
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Drugs / Issue 18/2010
Print ISSN: 0012-6667
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1950
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2165/11585230-000000000-00000

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