Life-changing treatment for devastating autoimmune disease on horizon

By Mark Waghorn via SWNS

A life-changing treatment for a devastating autoimmune disease could be on the horizon following a major breakthrough.

The incurable neurological condition Neuromyelitis optica affects the optic nerves and spinal cord - causing pain, paralysis and even death.

Now scientists have discovered an antibody that reduces symptoms in rats.

They likened it to "fighting friendly fired with fire." Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), or Devic's disease, is caused by the body's own immune system.

The team at Osaka University, Japan, found interrupting complex cell-signaling processes prevented damage.

In experiments, the antibody destroyed a key protein called (RGMa) that causes attacks.

Explained senior author Professor Toshihide Yamashita: "Our findings revealed a new molecular mechanism of NMO pathophysiology in which RGMa stimulates macrophages to attract neutrophils to the lesions, where they kill off astrocytes."

Macrophages and neutrophils are white blood cells that fight infections. Astrocytes are the most numerous cell type in the central nervous system.

In most cases, NMO is caused by antibodies the body develops to a protein called AQP4 (aquaporin-4).

They leak into nerves damaged by a massive build up of neutrophils - causing weakness and pain in the arms and legs.

Other symptoms include increased sensitivity to cold and heat, painful spasms in the limbs and bladder, bowel and sexual difficulties.

Lead author Dr. Shosuke Iwamoto said: "We recently found injecting rats with an antibody to RGMa can decrease the severity of NMO symptoms.

"However, it was still unclear how this treatment works mechanistically, whether by affecting AQP4, astrocytes, or some other factor."

The study in Annals of Neurology tested the effects of the anti-RGMa antibody on disease symptoms, as well as gene and protein expression.

Importantly, the treated lab rodents suffered less movement problems and pain.

There were fewer neutrophils around nerve lesions, more astrocytes and a decrease in movement problems and pain.

Dr. Iwamoto said: "Our findings suggest anti-RGMa antibodies may represent an effective therapeutic strategy for NMO-associated neuropathic pain and motor deficits in patients with NMO."

The severity of acute NMO attacks greatly affects long-term outcomes. Targeting RGMa reduce symptoms or boost recovery are crucial for improving quality of life.

The treatment may even prevent relapses in the chronic stage of the disease.

NMO is a rare condition that affects less than 1,000 people in the UK.

The only treatments are drugs, such as steroids, that aim to manage attacks and symptoms, and prevent relapses.