Figure 1
From: Axonal degeneration in multiple sclerosis: can we predict and prevent permanent disability?
Sequestered neurofilament and anti-neurofilament as potential prognostic biomarkers for progressive MS. Both NF-L and NF-H can be released from CNS parenchymal cells into the CSF during clinical course of MS. The CSF levels of NF-L are consistently high throughout the disease progression, whereas the CSF levels of NF-H increase upon disease progression. Free NF-L and NF-H can be recognized by dendritic cells (antigen presenting cells) culminating in a further cycle of inflammation. These cells can therefore, activate B cells and T helper (TH) cells. Activated B cells can release autoantibodies against both NF-L and NF-H, which can potentiate axonal damage. The CSF levels of anti-NF-L and anti-NF-H increase during progressive MS, whereas the serum levels of anti-NF-L may decrease.