The role of B cells in the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis

Summary There is ongoing debate on how B cells contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The success of B‐cell targeting therapies in MS highlighted the role of B cells, particularly the antibody‐independent functions of these cells such as antigen presentation to T cells and modulation of the function of T cells and myeloid cells by secreting pathogenic and/or protective cytokines in the central nervous system. Here, we discuss the role of different antibody‐dependent and antibody‐independent functions of B cells in MS disease activity and progression proposing new therapeutic strategies for the optimization of B‐cell targeting treatments. B cells can contribute to MS pathogenesis via production of antibodies against CNS antigens. The success of B‐cell targeting therapies in MS highlighted the antibody‐independent functions of B cells in MS. B cells can contribute to MS through antigen presentation to T cells and modulation of the function of T cells and myeloid cells by secreting pathogenic and/or protective cytokines.