[B-cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis].

Abstract

B-cell therapy using anti-CD20 antibodies significantly suppresses relapse and is therefore an important treatment option for multiple sclerosis (MS). Based on the production of inflammatory cytokines and enhanced antigen-presenting capacity, B cells trigger MS relapses via activation of pathogenic T cells. Suppression of these abnormal actions of B cells is the primary mechanism underlying relapse prevention using B-cell therapies. Treatments that target B cells are also expected to suppress chronic progression of MS through modulation of B-cell activity within the central nervous system. B-cell therapies based on novel approaches are expected to improve the regulation of acute and chronic MS pathology.