Does B lymphocyte-mediated autoimmunity contribute to post-stroke dementia?

Kristian P. Doyle, Marion S. Buckwalter

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

Post-stroke cognitive decline and dementia pose a significant public health problem, with 30% of stroke survivors suffering from dementia. The reason for this high prevalence is not well understood. Pathogenic B cell responses to the damaged CNS are one possible contributing factor. B-lymphocytes and antibodies are present in and around the stroke core of some human subjects who die with stroke and dementia, and mice that develop delayed cognitive dysfunction after stroke have clusters of B-lymphocytes in the stroke lesion, and antibody infiltration in the stroked hemisphere. The ablation of B-lymphocytes prevents post-stroke cognitive impairment in mice. Multiple drugs that target B cells are FDA approved, and so if pathogenic B cell responses are occurring in a subset of stroke patients, this is potentially treatable. However, it has also been demonstrated that regulatory B cells can be beneficial in mouse models of stroke. Consequently, it is important to understand the relative contribution of B-lymphocytes to recovery versus pathogenicity, and if this balance is heterogeneous in different individuals. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge with regard to the role of B-lymphocytes in the etiology of post-stroke dementia.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-8
Number of pages8
JournalBrain, Behavior, and Immunity
Volume64
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2017

Keywords

  • Alzheimer's Disease
  • Autoantibody
  • Autoimmune
  • Dementia
  • Lymphocyte
  • Stroke
  • Vascular dementia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology
  • Endocrine and Autonomic Systems
  • Behavioral Neuroscience

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