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Moving toward personalized B cell depletion in multiple sclerosis?
Tradite Neziraj1, Ludwig Kappos2, Anne-Katrin Pröbstel1
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
B cell depletion therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) is effective but may impair immunity. This study assessed extended interval dosing of B cell-adapted therapies, finding it maintained immunoglobulin levels, suggesting preserved immune competence.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- B cell depletion is a key treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Concerns exist regarding potential immunosuppression and impaired immune competence with B cell depletion therapies.
- Extended interval dosing (EID) is being explored to optimize treatment regimens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of B cell-adapted extended interval dosing (EID) on immunoglobulin (Ig) levels in multiple sclerosis patients.
- To assess Ig levels as a surrogate marker for immunosuppressive effects of B cell-adapted EID.
- To investigate the safety and efficacy profile of EID in managing MS.
Main Methods:
- Observational study design.
- Assessment of immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM) in patients receiving B cell-adapted EID.
- Analysis of changes in Ig levels over time as a measure of immune competence.
Main Results:
- Extended interval dosing of B cell-adapted therapies demonstrated maintenance of immunoglobulin levels.
- The observed Ig levels suggest a preserved capacity of the immune system.
- No significant adverse effects related to immunosuppression were indicated by Ig levels.
Conclusions:
- B cell-adapted extended interval dosing appears to be a viable strategy for long-term multiple sclerosis treatment.
- This dosing regimen may mitigate concerns about impaired immune competence associated with B cell depletion.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the long-term immunological effects of B cell-adapted EID in MS.

