Myelin-reactive B cells exacerbate CD4⁺ T cell-driven CNS autoimmunity in an IL-23-dependent manner.

Abstract

B cells and T cells collaborate in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. IgH^[MOG] mice possess a B cell repertoire skewed to recognize myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG). Here, we show that upon immunization with the T cell-obligate autoantigen, MOG_[35-55], IgH^[MOG] mice develop rapid and exacerbated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) relative to wildtype (WT) counterparts, characterized by aggregation of T and B cells in the IgH^[MOG] meninges and by CD4⁺ T helper 17 (Th17) cells in the CNS. Production of the Th17 maintenance factor IL-23 is observed from IgH^[MOG] CNS-infiltrating and meningeal B cells, and in vivo blockade of IL-23p19 attenuates disease severity in IgH^[MOG] mice. In the CNS parenchyma and dura mater of IgH^[MOG] mice, we observe an increased frequency of CD4⁺PD-1⁺CXCR5^- T cells that share numerous characteristics with the recently described T peripheral helper (Tph) cell subset. Further, CNS-infiltrating B and Tph cells from IgH^[MOG] mice show increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Meningeal inflammation, Tph-like cell accumulation in the CNS and B/Tph cell production of ROS were all reduced upon p19 blockade. Altogether, MOG-specific B cells promote autoimmune inflammation of the CNS parenchyma and meninges in an IL-23-dependent manner.