Takako Matsuoka

TL;DR: Analysis of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene by using a high-throughput culture-independent pyrosequencing method provided evidence of a moderate dysbiosis in the structure of gut microbiota in patients with MS, and phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that many of the clostridial species associated with MS might be distinct from those broadly associated with autoimmune conditions.

TL;DR: This study provides Class IV evidence that in patients with NMO, TCZ reduces relapse rate, neuropathic pain, and fatigue, and Class III evidence that Interleukin-6 receptor blockade is a promising therapeutic option for NMO.

TL;DR: A case with NMO who responded to monthly administration of the anti-IL-6 receptor antibody tocilizumab and the treatment rapidly reduced the elevated numbers of plasmablasts and anti-AQP4 autoantibodies in the patient.

TL;DR: It is demonstrated that CD138+HLA-DR+ plasmablasts, a subset of IgG-producing cells, are increased in the peripheral blood and are enriched among the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lymphocytes during the relapse of neuromyelitis optica.

TL;DR: The frequencies of each B-cell population in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were greatly reduced 2 weeks after starting fingolimod treatment, and a significant reduction in activated memory B cells (CD38int-high), particularly those expressing Ki-67, a marker of cell proliferation.