Fig. 2.

Lymphocytes traffic/maturation and intrathecal IgG synthesis associated with HIV infection in central nervous system (CNS). Upper panel. B-lymphocytes reacting against HIV are recruited in CNS where they may undergo a local proliferation; intrathecal IgG synthesis mirrors serum synthesis. Oligoclonal IgG synthesis restricted to CSF may be a consequence of local affinity maturation of B-lymphocytes. CSF IgG partly originates from passive diffusion through BBB and explains mirror pattern of OCB. Lower panel. Lymphocytes directed against non-HIV antigens are non-specifically recruited in the inflamed CNS and synthesize non-specific antibodies (i.e., anti-measles).