Characterization of regulatory B-cell subsets emerging in multiple sclerosis treatment

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disorder in young adults and leads to significant physical and cognitive disability at a crucial stage in life. Different cells of the immune system play a crucial role, and it is now clear that B-cells, which have long stood in the shadow of T-cells, are important in MS susceptibility and treatment. In particular, the balance between pathogenic and protective B-cells provides a disease mechanism that is amenable by treatment. Here, a collaboration of two KU Leuven research groups, under guidance of Prof. Goris and Prof. Matthys, focusses on a better understanding of the phenotype of protective B-cells in MS and how these can be induced in a therapeutic context.