Impact of Glatiramer Acetate on B Cell-Mediated Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis

Kürten S, Jackson LJ, Kaye J, Vollmer TL (2018)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2018

Journal

Cns Drugs Adis

Book Volume: 32

Pages Range: 1039-1051

Journal Issue: 11

DOI: 10.1007/s40263-018-0567-8

Abstract

Growing evidence indicates that B cells play a key role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). B cells occupy distinct central nervous system (CNS) compartments in MS, including the cerebrospinal fluid and white matter lesions. Also, it is now known that, in addition to entering the CNS, B cells can circulate into the periphery via a functional lymphatic system. Data suggest that the role of B cells in MS mainly involves their in situ activation in demyelinating lesions, leading to altered pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion, and a highly effective antigen-presenting cell function, resulting in activation of memory or naïve T cells. Clinically, B cell-depleting agents show significant efficacy in MS. In addition, many disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) traditionally understood to target T cells are now known to influence B cell number and function. One of the earliest DMTs to be developed, glatiramer acetate (GA), has been shown to reduce the total frequency of B cells, plasmablasts, and memory B cells. It also appears to promote a shift toward reduced inflammation by increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine release and/or reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine release by B cells. In the authors' opinion, this may be mediated by cross-reactivity of B cell receptors for GA with antigen (possibly myelin basic protein) expressed in the MS lesion. More research is required to further characterize the role of B cells and their bidirectional trafficking in the pathogenesis of MS. This may uncover novel targets for MS treatments and facilitate the development of B cell biomarkers of drug response.

Authors with CRIS profile

Stefanie Kürten Lehrstuhl für Mikroskopische Anatomie und Molekulare Zellbiologie

Involved external institutions

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. IL Israel (IL) University of Colorado System US United States (USA) (US)

How to cite

APA:

Kürten, S., Jackson, L.J., Kaye, J., & Vollmer, T.L. (2018). Impact of Glatiramer Acetate on B Cell-Mediated Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis. Cns Drugs, 32(11), 1039-1051. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40263-018-0567-8

MLA:

Kürten, Stefanie, et al. "Impact of Glatiramer Acetate on B Cell-Mediated Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis." Cns Drugs 32.11 (2018): 1039-1051.

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