Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals cell type-specific immune regulation associated with human neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

Introduction: One rare type of autoimmune disease is called neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and the peripheral immune characteristics of NMOSD remain unclear.

Methods: Here, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is used to characterize peripheral blood mononuclear cells from individuals with NMOSD.

Results: The differentiation and activation of lymphocytes, expansion of myeloid cells, and an excessive inflammatory response in innate immunity are observed. Flow cytometry analyses confirm a significant increase in the percentage of plasma cells among B cells in NMOSD. NMOSD patients exhibit an elevated percentage of CD8+ T cells within the T cell population. Oligoclonal expansions of B cell receptors are observed after therapy. Additionally, individuals with NMOSD exhibit elevated expression of CXCL8, IL7, IL18, TNFSF13, IFNG, and NLRP3.

Discussion: Peripheral immune response high-dimensional single-cell profiling identifies immune cell subsets specific to a certain disease and identifies possible new targets for NMOSD.