Since naive and MZ-like B cells were the only B cell subpopulations exhibiting decreased CD32b expression in females with CIS or MS when compared with healthy controls, and MZ-like B cells are important for innate immune responses, antigen-independent B cell stimulation was utilised to investigate potential differences in the functional effects of CD32b engagement in patients and controls. This evidence concerns the gene FCGR2B and in situ carcinoma.