Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that is characterized by inflammation and a variety of neurological symptoms and lesions disseminated in both time and space. MS has traditionally been thought to be primarily a T-cell mediated disease, however, more recent studies implicate B cells in the pathogenesis as well (Knippenberg et al 2011). Additionally, low vitamin D levels is a modifiable risk factor that is associated with development and progression of disease activity (Munger et al 2014). Recent studies aim to address whether there is a connection between hypovitaminosis D and immunoreactivity in the pathogenesis and progression of MS.
Presented here is the case of A.K., a 23-year-old …show more content…
Increasing evidence has supported the role of serum vitamin D levels in influencing the risk of MS. Vitamin D intake and vitamin D levels are both inversely associated with the risk of developing MS (Munger et al 2006). Due to this association, patients suffering from MS, like the one presented in this case, are advised to increase their intake of Vitamin D and closely monitor those levels. However, how vitamin D interacts with the immune system to influence the development and progression of multiple sclerosis is …show more content…
Naïve IL-10 producing B cells are thought to help prevent inflammatory responses in autoimmune diseases, whereas memory IL-10 producing B cells are thought to resolve disease exacerbations. Patients with relapsing and remitting MS were found to have decreased memory and naïve B cells overall compared to healthy individuals. Moreover, during a relapse, a shift in the naïve/memory B cell ratio was observed in favor of memory B cells. In remission, the majority of B cells were found to have a naïve phenotype (Knippenberg et al 2011). This finding is consistent with the theory of the functions of naïve and memory B cells in autoimmune exacerbations and remissions. Moreover, the efficacy of anti-B cell therapies in treating MS further indicate a role of these cells in the pathophysiology. Notably, the patient presented was receiving Rituximab, an anti-B cell therapy, with clinically significant
Presented here is the case of A.K., a 23-year-old …show more content…
Increasing evidence has supported the role of serum vitamin D levels in influencing the risk of MS. Vitamin D intake and vitamin D levels are both inversely associated with the risk of developing MS (Munger et al 2006). Due to this association, patients suffering from MS, like the one presented in this case, are advised to increase their intake of Vitamin D and closely monitor those levels. However, how vitamin D interacts with the immune system to influence the development and progression of multiple sclerosis is …show more content…
Naïve IL-10 producing B cells are thought to help prevent inflammatory responses in autoimmune diseases, whereas memory IL-10 producing B cells are thought to resolve disease exacerbations. Patients with relapsing and remitting MS were found to have decreased memory and naïve B cells overall compared to healthy individuals. Moreover, during a relapse, a shift in the naïve/memory B cell ratio was observed in favor of memory B cells. In remission, the majority of B cells were found to have a naïve phenotype (Knippenberg et al 2011). This finding is consistent with the theory of the functions of naïve and memory B cells in autoimmune exacerbations and remissions. Moreover, the efficacy of anti-B cell therapies in treating MS further indicate a role of these cells in the pathophysiology. Notably, the patient presented was receiving Rituximab, an anti-B cell therapy, with clinically significant