B cells and antibodies in CNS demyelinating disease

There is much evidence to implicate B cells, plasma cells, and their produc ts in the pathogenesis of MS. Despite unequivocal evidence that the animal model for MS, EAE, is initiated by myelin-specific T cells, there is accumu lating evidence of a role for B cells, plasma cells, and their products in EAE pathogenesis. The role(s) played by B cells, plasma cells, and antibodi es in CNS inflammatory demyelinating diseases are likely to be multifactori al and complex, involving distinct and perhaps opposing roles for B cells v ersus antibody. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.