Figure 2.

The pathogenic and beneficial effects of B cells in patients with viral infections of the CNS and their corresponding animal models. B cells can cause aggravation of inflammation by pro-inflammatory cytokine and antibody production. In addition, they can act as a reservoir for the virus, and activate T cells. Nevertheless, the role of B cells in viral infections is heterogenous. B cells control the infection by producing anti-inflammatory cytokines and antibodies to eliminate the virus. Furthermore, they have a positive effect on other immune cells by promoting T cell homeostasis and controlling innate immune cell-mediated pro-inflammatory responses (e.g., by macrophages). BC, B cell; TC, T cell; MΦ, macrophage.