Massive activity of cytotoxic cells during refractory Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder

Our group is interested in the cytotoxic mechanism during autoimmune neuroinflammation. Unexpectedly, we come across a case that presents a massive enhancement of cytotoxic behavior in lymphocytes, either in peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Interestingly, this specific patient was refractory to Methylprednisolone treatment. Hypothetically, the cytotoxic activity could represent a novel and complementary effector mechanism to NMOSD pathogenesis. Nevertheless, further investigation is needed to evaluate the extension and the clinical relevance of our finds.