Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include methods for detecting in vitro the presence of Memory B cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) that produce antibodies reactive to CNS antigens associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Stimulating PBMCs from patients with MS by a polyclonal stimulating agent promotes the ability of B-lymphocytes, when exposed to a CNS antigen, to produce antibodies specific for the CNS antigen. In contrast, stimulating PBMCs from subjects without MS do not produce such responses.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include methods for detecting in vitro the presence in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and in serum or plasma, of antibodies reactive to and of lymphocytes that are responsive to CNS antigens associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These CNS antigens include, but are not limited to whole brain lysate and the myelin antigens myelin basic protein (MBP), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), MOG peptides (MOGps), proteolipid protein (PLP), and PLP peptides (PLPps). PBMCs obtained from patients with active MS produce antibodies specific for CNS antigen, and causes T-lymphocytes to produce T-lymphocyte-specific cytokines, including interferon gamma (IFN-?), interleukin-2 (IL-2), or interleukin-17 (IL-17). In contrast, PBMCs from subjects without MS do not produce such responses.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include methods for detecting in vitro the presence in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and in serum or plasma, of antibodies reactive to and of lymphocytes that are responsive to CNS antigens associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These CNS antigens include, but are not limited to whole brain lysate and the myelin antigens myelin basic protein (MBP), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), MOG peptides (MOGps), proteolipid protein (PLP), and PLP peptides (PLPps). Stimulating PBMCs from patients with MS by CNS antigens cause B-lymphocytes to produce antibodies specific for CNS antigen, and causes T-lymphocytes to produce T-lymphocyte-specific cytokines, including interferon gamma (IFN-y), interleukin-2 (IL-2), or interleukin-17 (IL-17). In contrast, stimulating PBMCs from subjects without MS do not produce such responses.