Effector Functions of Antiaquaporin‐4 Autoantibodies in Neuromyelitis Optica

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Abstract

<jats:p>NMO‐IgG autoantibody is now considered a useful serum biomarker of neuromyelitis optica (NMO). A series of clinical and pathological observations suggest that NMO‐IgG may play a central role in NMO physiopathology. Although the exact role and function of NMO‐IgG <jats:italic>in vivo</jats:italic> remain to be determined, recent reports suggest that this antibody that targets the aquaporin‐4 (AQP‐4) water channel expressed by astrocytes is able to destabilize the blood–brain barrier and contribute to astrocyte and oligodendrocyte damage. This review summarizes the latest molecular effector functions attributed to the NMO‐IgG/anti‐AQP4 antibody and discusses their potential role in NMO pathology.</jats:p>

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