Transcriptome signature of Neuromyelitis spectrum disorder under steroid tapering

The advent of biologics is significantly transforming the treatment strategies for NMOSD. However, there are no biomarkers to predict relapses associated with steroid tapering. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the immune dynamic changes due to steroid reduction. The results of this study identified peripheral blood transcriptome signatures that could lead to the creation of urgently needed NMOSD disease activity biomarkers. Overall design: We collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from NMOSD patients during the steroid tapering period and performed bulk RNA sequencing. PBMCs were collected from 10 NMOSD patients (including one relapse case). The subjects were positive for anti-AQP4 antibodies and had no history of biologics use.