Twin study dissects CXCR3⁺ memory B cells as non-heritable feature in multiple sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In multiple sclerosis (MS), B cells are considered main triggers of the disease, likely as the result of complex interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors. Studies on monozygotic twins discordant for MS offer a unique way to reduce this complexity and reveal discrepant subsets.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed B cell subsets in blood samples of monozygotic twins with and without MS using publicly available data. We verified functional characteristics by exploring the role of therapy and performed separate analyses in unrelated individuals.

Findings

The frequencies of CXCR3⁺ memory B cells were reduced in the blood of genetically identical twins with MS compared to their unaffected twin siblings. Natalizumab (anti-VLA-4 antibody

SUBMITTER: Ingelfinger F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11018360 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature