myelinreactive

Myelinreactive describes immune responses directed against components of central nervous system myelin. This term is used for autoreactive T cells, B cells, or autoantibodies that recognize myelin-associated antigens such as myelin basic protein (MBP), proteolipid protein (PLP), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG).

In health, tolerance mechanisms normally prevent such reactivity, but in some individuals central or peripheral tolerance fails, allowing myelin-reactive lymphocytes to escape into the periphery. In multiple sclerosis and related demyelinating disorders, these immune responses contribute to demyelination and neuroinflammation. The presence and activity of myelin-reactive cells can be influenced by genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, and molecular mimicry with infectious agents. Not all individuals with such reactivity develop disease, highlighting the role of additional regulatory or compensatory processes.

Mechanisms involve activation of autoreactive T cells, trafficking of these cells across the blood–brain barrier, and cytokine- and chemokine-driven inflammation that recruits macrophages and microglia. B cells may produce autoantibodies against MBP or MOG, contributing to antibody- and complement-mediated damage. Epitope spreading and bystander activation can broaden the autoimmune response over time. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a widely used model to study myelin-reactive immunity and demyelination, with both active and passive forms described.

Clinical detection of myelin-reactive lymphocytes is primarily a research focus; clinical diagnosis of demyelinating diseases relies on imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and clinical criteria. Immunomodulatory therapies aim to reduce autoreactive activity and are a central component of treatment strategies. The unhyphenated form myelinreactive is occasionally used in literature to describe such immune responses.