B cells from relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients support neuro-antigen-specific Th17 responses

•T central memory, T effector memory, and neuroantigen-specific cells from MS patients and HD are similar in frequency.•B cells from a subset of MS patients cultured with autologous T cells induce proliferation in response to neuroantigens.•B cells from MS patients directly support neuroantigen-specific Th17 responses in T cells

B cells are highly potent antigen presenting cells of their cognate antigens. However, it remains unknown whether B cells can orchestrate Th17-mediated responses against neuro-antigens. We report that MS patients and healthy donors had a similar frequency of antigen-specific Th1 and Th17 cells, and distribution of T effector and T central memory cells. Notwithstanding these similarities, the application of an in vitro assay demonstrated that the B cells derived from a subset of MS patients exhibited the capability of coordinating Th17 responses directed toward neuro-antigens. These observations underscore the B cell's contribution to the putative underpinnings of multiple sclerosis.

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