Role of CXCL13 in the formation of the meningeal tertiary lymphoid organ in multiple sclerosis [version 2; referees: 2 approved]

Abstract

Immunomodulatory therapies available for the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) accomplish control and neutralization of peripheral immune cells involved in the activity of the disease cascade but their spectrum of action in the intrathecal space and brain tissue is limited, taking into consideration the persistence of oligoclonal bands and the variation of clones of lymphoid cells throughout the disease span. In animal models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the presence of CXCL13 has been associated with disease activity and the blockade of this chemokine could work as a potential complementary therapeutic strategy in patients with MS in order to postpone disease progression. The development of therapeutic alternatives with ability to modify the intrathecal inflammatory activity of the meningeal tertiary lymphoid organ to ameliorate neurodegeneration is mandatory.