B lymphocytes: Crucial contributors to brain development and neurological diseases

The immune system is a major contributor to brain homeostasis and pathogenesis of neurological diseases. However, the role of B lymphocytes (cells) in the brain is poorly understood. In this review, we describe the functions of the different subtypes of B cells in brain development and neurological diseases. B cells are classified into several subtypes according their function and gene expression. B-1a cells, which participate in innate immunity by producing natural antibodies, are abundant in the developing brain, and mediate oligodendrocyte development. In conditions such as autoimmune encephalomyelitis, spinal cord injury, and stroke, B-2 cells exacerbate the pathology by producing pathogenic autoantibodies. On the other hand, regulatory B cells suppress inflammation by secreting interleukin-10 and play beneficial roles in pathological conditions. Here, we summarize the distribution and function of B cells during brain development and neurological diseases.