Neurológia pre prax 3/2017

B cells as a target in the treatment of multiple sclerosis

B cells play important role in pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Pathogenic mechanisms include antigen presentation, pro- and antiinflammatory cytokines production, B cells can differentiate to plasmatic cells producing autoantibodies and they can participate on creation of meningeal follicular structures in central nervous system (CNS). We can effectively influence the course of disease by therapeutic depletion through anti-CD20 antibodies. Efficacy and safety of this treatment were demonstrated in clinical studies with relapsing remitting and primary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis, B cells, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, therapy