Abstract

We propose that the normal immunocompetent B cell repertoire is replete with B cells making antibodies that recognize brain antigens. Although B cells that are reactive with self antigen are normally silenced during B cell maturation, the blood–brain barrier (BBB) prevents many brain antigens from participating in this process. This enables the generation of a B cell repertoire that is sufficiently diverse to cope with numerous environmental challenges. It requires, however, that the integrity of the BBBs is uninterrupted throughout life to protect the brain from antibodies that crossreact with microorganisms and brain antigens. Under conditions of BBB compromise, and during fetal development, we think that these antibodies can alter brain function in otherwise healthy individuals.

Author affiliations

1. Betty Diamond, Paola Mina-Osorio and Czeslawa Kowal are at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Center of Autoimmune and Musculoskeletal Diseases, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, New York 110301, USA.
2. Patricio T. Huerta and Bruce T. Volpe are at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Burke Cornell Medical Research Institute, 785 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, New York 10605, USA.

Correspondence to: Betty Diamond¹ Email: bdiamond@nshs.edu

MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS

These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated.