Characterizing NMOSD Immune Profiles

Samples were obtained from 4 healthy controls (HCs) and 6 patients with NMOSD enrolled at the Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, from June to November 2022. For patients with NMOSD, inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years and a diagnosis of AQP4-IgG–seropositive NMOSD according to the 2015 International Panel for NMO Diagnosis consensus criteria (68 (link)), regardless of the disease course and disease-modifying treatment. Exclusion criteria were another immune disorder, infection, or cancer. AQP4-IgG serostatus was assessed using cell-based indirect immunofluorescence assay in our hospital as reported previously (31 (link)). Age, sex, disease duration, current treatment, and relapse/remission status were recorded. Degree of disability was assessed by neurological examination with Expanded Disability Status Scale score. None of the HCs had a history of disease or infection, and none had received any treatment during the previous 2 months. Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects.