B cell presenting function.

Ireland SJ, Guzman AA, Frohman EM, Monson NL. B cells from relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients support neuro-antigen-specific Th17 responses. J Neuroimmunol. 2016 Feb 15;291:46-53.

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.

How does B cell depletion work. Does it kill off thereservoir of EBV or does it stop antigen presenting cell function. In this study they suggest it cando the latter 

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