Mass cytometry provides insight into the role of B cells

[frodo]

Mass cytometry provides unprecedented insight into the role of B cells during the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis

https://www.acnr.co.uk/wp-content/uploa ... 12to14.pdf

Abstract

In recent years, it has become clear that B cells play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). This is most evident when considering the effectiveness of anti-CD20 monoclonal therapeutics including rituximab and ocrelizumab.

In fact many successful therapeutics alter the level of switched memory B cells. It is however unlikely all switched memory B cells are detrimental in the context of MS. The ability to distinguish between various B cell subsets is hence important if we are to more specifically target detrimental from potentially beneficial B cells.

Mass cytometry provides the ability to interrogate a larger number of markers in a single experiment, allowing unprecedented insight into B cell subsets and how they contribute to MS disease progression.

This review highlights the importance of investigating B cells in the context of MS, and how mass cytometry provides the ability to interrogate a large number of subsets for an in-depth characterisation.