Unravelling the role of antigen-specific T cells in NMOSD and MOGAD.

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) and Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Associated Disease (MOGAD) are rare autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) that are distinct from multiple sclerosis (MS), a more prevalent CNS autoimmune disease. Even though there is evidence for a key role of T cells in the pathogenesis of NMOSD and MOGAD, the focus of research has been directed more towards unravelling the role of autoantibodies. Detection of antigen-specific T cells in the peripheral blood of people with aquaporine-4 positive NMOSD and even more so in MOGAD, has been challenging so far. Identification and functional characterization of antigen-specific autoreactive T cells in the peripheral blood is a necessary step to demonstrate and strengthen the evidence for the pivotal role of T cells in the pathogenesis of NMOSD and MOGAD and may pave the way towards future development of antigen-specific T cell modulatory treatments.

Keywords:T CELL SUBSETS, NEUROIMMUNOLOGY, AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

Disciplines:Neurosciences not elsewhere classified, Autoimmunity