The Immune System in Multiple Sclerosis

BREAKING THE RULES:

The Immune System in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Our immune system usually defends and protects the body from invaders. In people with MS, a disease of the central nervous system, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the insulation around nerve cells (myelin) in the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.

The Immune Cell team in MS

MACROPHAGE

MICROGLIA

NATURAL KILLER CELL

T CELL

B CELL

A LEAKY BARRIER

Most types of immune cells aren't normally found in the nervous system because of the barrier that protects the brain from potentially harmful elements circulating in the blood.

In people with MS, this barrier is compromised – allowing T and B cells to move into the brain and spinal cord.2,3

T cells have long been believed to lead the attack on the nervous system. Scientists now believe that B cells also play an important role in MS.4

THE B CELL LINEUP5

There are different types of B cells, depending on their stage of development. Each type of B cell has a job to do - from recognizing foreign invaders to making antibodies.

STEM
CELL
PRO
B CELL
PRE
B CELL
IMMATURE
B CELL
ACTIVATED B CELL
MEMORY
B CELL
PLASMA
CELL

B cells can be distinguished by different combinations of PROTEINS on their surface. Here are a few examples:

CD19
CD20
CD27

4 MOVES T AND B CELLS MAY MAKE IN MS

B cells recognize MYELIN and tell T cells to launch an IMMUNE ATTACK6,7

T and B cells release chemicals that attract other immune cells that cause INFLAMMATION8,9

B cells make and release ANTIBODIES that attack myelin and recruit the help of other immune cells10,11

T and B cells may establish permanent residence in the central NERVOUS SYSTEM and continue the attack12,13