T-B cell cooperation in ectopic lymphoid follicles propagates CNS autoimmunity

Sci Immunol. 2025 Apr 25;10(106):eadn2784. doi: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adn2784. Epub 2025 Apr 25.

Abstract

Meningeal ectopic lymphoid follicle (eLF)-like structures have been described in multiple sclerosis, but their role in central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity is unclear. Here, we used a T helper 17 (TH17) adoptive transfer experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model featuring formation of eLFs. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that clusters of activated B cells and B1/marginal zone-like B cells were overrepresented in the CNS and identified B cells poised for undergoing germinal center reactions and clonal expansion in the CNS. Using intravital imaging to directly visualize TH17-B cell interactions, we demonstrated that T and B cells form long-lasting antigen-specific contacts in meningeal eLFs that result in reactivation of autoreactive T cells. CNS T cells depended on CNS B cells to maintain a proinflammatory cytokine profile. Our study reveals that extensive T-B cell cooperation occurs in meningeal eLFs, promoting both B cell differentiation and T cell reactivation, and may thereby propagate smoldering inflammation in the CNS.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmunity* / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes* / immunology
  • Central Nervous System* / immunology
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental* / immunology
  • Female
  • Meninges / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Tertiary Lymphoid Structures* / immunology
  • Th17 Cells* / immunology