Advances in the therapeutic landscape for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Introduction Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare, relapsing autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system, characterized by inflammatory attacks affecting the optic nerves, spinal cord and brain. In most cases, pathogenic antibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4-IgG) are detectable. These antibodies target astrocytes, triggering complement activation and the release of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), culminating in an astrocytopathy and neurological disability.