Markedly Elevated Serum Level of T-Helper Cell 17-Related Cytokines/Chemokines in Acute Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Optic Neuritis

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in immunopathogenesis based on the cytokine/chemokine profiles in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG-IgG)-positive and -negative groups. Methods: We measured the levels of T-helper cell 17 (Th17) cell-related cytokines/chemokines in 74 serum samples, which were divided into four groups: healthy control (HC) group (n = 15), idiopathic demyelinating optic neuritis (IDON) group (n = 20), aquaporin 4 (AQP4)-IgG-positive optic neuritis (ON) group (n = 18), and MOG-IgG positive-ON group (n = 21). Serum IL17, IL21, IL28, IL31, CXCL1, CXCL2, CCL2, CCL11, CCL20, and LT-alpha were detected. Results: The serum of the MOG-IgG-positive ON patients showed an obvious elevation of Th17 cell-related cytokines/chemokines compared with that of all the MOG-IgG-negative ON patients. Serum IL17 and IL21 were significantly higher in the ON patients with MOG-IgG positive than in all the other three groups. The serum levels of IL28, IL31, CXCL1, and CCL11 were higher in the ON patients with MOG-IgG positive than in the HC group and the IDON group. The serum concentration of CCL2, CXCL2, and CCL20 in the MOG-IgG-positive and AQP4-IgG-positive group is higher than that of the HC group. No difference in serum LT-alpha level was found among the four groups. Adjusted multiple regression analyses showed a positive association of IL17 and IL21 levels with the serum concentration of MOG-IgG in the ON patients. Conclusion: The elevated serum level of Th17 cell-related cytokine/chemokines may play an important role in the pathogenesis of MOG-IgG-positive demyelinating ON.