Abstract
This study focused on two important objectives: determining the influence of MS treatments on different B-cell (immune cell) functions in MS patients and determine the role of the B-cells involved in immune aging in patients with MS.
First, the effects of the initial oral MS treatment (Fingolimod) were examined. Fingolimod treatment causes a shift from a pro-inflammatory (MS-promoting) B-cell profile to an anti-inflammatory (MS-inhibiting) B-cell profile. It was also found that B-cells could induce T-cells through the antigen presentation and co-stimulation of the T-cells. This effect was offset by several MS treatments. This study also demonstrated that a larger proportion of MS patients aged 60 and under showed expansions of B-cells associated with immune aging compared to control subjects of the same age. Further research is needed to determine how these cells contribute to MS disease progression.
First, the effects of the initial oral MS treatment (Fingolimod) were examined. Fingolimod treatment causes a shift from a pro-inflammatory (MS-promoting) B-cell profile to an anti-inflammatory (MS-inhibiting) B-cell profile. It was also found that B-cells could induce T-cells through the antigen presentation and co-stimulation of the T-cells. This effect was offset by several MS treatments. This study also demonstrated that a larger proportion of MS patients aged 60 and under showed expansions of B-cells associated with immune aging compared to control subjects of the same age. Further research is needed to determine how these cells contribute to MS disease progression.
| Original language | English |
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| Award date | 16 Jun 2016 |
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| Publication status | Published - 2016 |
Keywords
- multiple sclerosis (MS)
- B-cells
