Cerebrovascular hemodynamics association with brain structure and function in Multiple Sclerosis.

Background: Vascular risk factors seem to contribute to disease progression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but the mechanistic connection between vascular risk and MS is unknown. Understanding cerebrovascular hemodynamics (CVH) in MS may help advance our understanding of the link between vascular risk and MS.

Objectives: Examine the relationship between CVH [dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) and vasoreactivity (VR)] and brain structure (MRI) and function (cognition, and gait) in individuals with MS.

Interferon-γ controls aquaporin 4-specific Th17 and B cells in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a CNS autoimmune inflammatory disease mediated by T helper 17 (Th17) and antibody responses to the water channel protein, aquaporin 4 (AQP4), and associated with astrocytopathy, demyelination and axonal loss. Knowledge about disease pathogenesis is limited and the search for new therapies impeded by the absence of a reliable animal model. In our work, we determined that NMOSD is characterized by decreased IFN-γ receptor signalling and that IFN-γ depletion in AQP4201-220-immunized C57BL/6 mice results in severe clinical disease resembling human NMOSD.

Case report: Use of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor as an immunomodulatory therapy in a patient with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and comorbid immunodeficiency.

Background: Autoimmune diseases can coexist with immunodeficiency. We describe a treatment approach in which granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is used to restore immune competence without worsening autoimmunity. G-CSF is a polyfunctional cytokine that influences survival, proliferation, and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells, and has immunomodulatory effects on the innate and adaptive immune systems.