Global perspectives on the contribution of B cells to multiple sclerosis: an in-depth examination and evaluation

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease, with increasing attention on the role of B cells in its pathogenesis. Despite this growing interest, a comprehensive analysis of research trends and emerging foci on B cells in MS is currently lacking. In this research, we utilize a bibliometric approach to visualize and analyze research trends and focal points in this field, offering a valuable reference for future mechanistic studies in MS. Methods: We retrieved bibliometric data from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) for articles published between 2014 and 2023. VOSviewer 1.6.18 and CiteSpace 5.7R3 were used for co-authorship, co-occurrence, and citation analyses to identify key researchers, institutions, countries, and emerging themes in B cell research related to MS. Results: as the top journal in the field. Research has increasingly focused on the complex role of B cells in MS, particularly their involvement in the central nervous system (CNS) and mechanisms of anti-B cell therapy. Recent trends point to a growing focus on meningeal inflammation, kinase inhibitors, and Epstein-Barr virus, signaling a shift in research priorities. Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis highlights pivotal research trends, key contributors, and emerging areas of interest in B cell research in MS from 2013 to 2024. The findings underscore the growing recognition of the multifaceted role of B cells in MS pathogenesis, particularly their involvement in the CNS compartment and the potential of targeted therapies. The study identifies meningeal inflammation, Epstein-Barr virus infection, and kinase inhibitors as promising avenues for future research. The analyses driving the in-depth exploration of B cell mechanisms in MS and the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies provide researchers in the MS field with a comprehensive and objective perspective, serving as a valuable reference for accelerating the translation of basic research findings into clinical applications.