Patterns of intrathecal autoreactive antibodies in MS using antigen microarrays

摘要

The role of autoreactive antibodies in multiple sclerosis (MS) has received intense attention since the discovery of oligoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) bands in the majority of patients with MS. However, many questions remain. We still do not know whether the intrathecal production of Ig is an epi-phenomenon of CNS autoimmunity, resulting from growth factor-driven expansion of long-lived B cells in the meningeal compartment or whether Ig production from antigen-driven proliferation of B-cell clones contributes to CNS immunopathology. CSF Ig from oligoclonal bands is produced by CSF B lineage cells and primarily recognizes epitopes of multiple neurotropic viruses and Epstein-Barr virus antigens. However, antimyelin antibodies also occur in the serum and CSF of patients with MS.