Table 1.
Differences and similarities in AQP4+NMOSD and MOGAD pathophysiology.
| AQP4+NMOSD | MOGAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Targets | ||
| Antigen | AQP4 | MOG |
| Cell | Astrocyte | Oligodendrocyte |
| Site of antibody production | ||
| Periphery | Yes | Yes |
| CNS | No | Yes |
| Cytokines | ||
| IL-6 | Yes | Yes |
| IL-10 | Yes | Yes |
| IL-17a | Yes | Yes |
| G-CSF | Yes | Yes |
| TNF-alfa | Yes | Yes |
| BAFF/APRIL | Yes | Yes |
| Effectors of damage | ||
| Complement | Yes | Yes, but less prominent |
| Cell infiltrates | Granulocytes | CD4+T cells, macrophages/microglia |
| Outcomes | ||
| Neuronal loss | Yes | Yes, but less severe |
| Astrocytic damage | Yes | No |
| Oligodendrocyte damage | Not prominent | Yes |
| Demyelination | Yes | Yes |
| Damage Biomarkers | ||
| Neurofilament light chain | High (during attacks) | High (during attack) |
| GFAP | High | Normal |
| Myelin basic protein | Normal | High |
Abbreviations: AQP4=aquaporin-4; APRIL= a proliferation-inducing ligand; BAFF=B-cell activating factor; CD4=cluster of differentiation 4; G-CSF=granulocytes colony-stimulating factor; GFAP= Glial fibrillary acidic protein; IL=interleukin; MOG=myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein; MOGAD= myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease; AQP4+NMOSD=neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder; TNF-alfa=tumor necrosis factor-alfa.