B-cell receptors and antibodies specific for Proteolipid protein 178–191 (BCR/Ab-PLP178-191)

B-cell receptors (BCRs) and antibodies specific for the proteolipid protein (PLP) epitope 178–191 are key mediators in the pathogenesis of demyelinating autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) (Greer et al., 1996, J Immunol). PLP is a primary structural component of the central nervous system myelin, and the 178–191 sequence is recognized as a dominant encephalitogenic epitope that triggers both cellular and humoral immune attacks (Bronstein et al., 1999, Neurology). In patients and animal models, these specific BCRs facilitate the capture and presentation of myelin antigens to T cells, while the resulting antibodies contribute to myelin sheath destruction via complement-dependent cytotoxicity and opsonization. Therapeutic targeting of these specific immune components aims to induce antigen-specific tolerance, thereby halting the autoimmune progression without the risks associated with broad immunosuppression. Current experimental approaches include the use of peptide-coupled nanoparticles or liver-targeted glycopolymer-peptide conjugates, such as ANK-700, which are designed to delete or anergize PLP-reactive B and T cells (Getts et al., 2012, Nat Biotechnol; Anokion, 2024).

Other names

Anti-PLP178-191 antibodiesPLP178-191-specific B-cell receptorsMyelin proteolipid protein 178-191 specific antibodiesAnti-PLP antibodiesPLP-specific BCRsAnti-PLP overlapping epitope antibodies

Induction of antigen-specific immune tolerance through the deletion, anergy, or regulation of B cells and the neutralization of pathogenic autoantibodies.