The availability of natalizumab for the treatment of multiple sclerosis has revolutionised the practice of neurology in at least one salient way: we now spend much more time thinking about progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The reasons for this increased attention are not difficult to identify
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory disease mainly affecting the optic nerve and spinal cord.
Growing evidence suggests that interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-17-secreting CD4(+)T (Th17) cells are involved in the pathogenic mechanisms of multiple sclerosis (MS). IL-17-secreting CD8(+) T cells were recently identified as a novel subset of CD8(+)T cells.
OBJECTIVE: To describe a patient with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) whose aquaporin 4 (AQP4) antibody levels increased following treatment with interferon beta. DESIGN: Prospective clinical and laboratory case report. SETTING: Institutional referral center for multiple sclerosis (MS)