Clinical and Experimental Neuroimmunology最新文献

{"title":"The Past, Present, and Future of Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Research in Japan","authors":"Masaaki Niino","doi":"10.1111/cen3.70063","DOIUrl":"10.1111/cen3.70063","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10193,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Neuroimmunology","volume":"17 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147683394","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cases of AQP4-Antibody-Positive Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Successfully Discontinuing Steroids With Satralizumab Treatment: Considerations on the Method of Tapering for Steroids After the Introduction of Satralizumab","authors":"Kiyotaka Nakamagoe,&nbsp;Mayuko Tanaka,&nbsp;Kota Igari,&nbsp;Tetsu Suzuki,&nbsp;Shinji Saiki","doi":"10.1111/cen3.70061","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/cen3.70061","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Satralizumab is used for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). However, there are currently no standardized guidelines regarding the method or speed of steroid tapering after its introduction. In 2023, we proposed a method to commence tapering prednisolone at a rate of 1 mg every 4 weeks, starting 8 weeks after satralizumab introduction (following four subcutaneous administrations of 120 mg each). Here we report the clinical courses of four patients with aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4)-positive NMOSD who discontinued steroids following a similar tapering method, advocating for the utility of this approach.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Case Presentation</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Case 1 (67-year-old female) and Case 2 (66-year-old female) exhibited optic nerve and spinal cord lesions. Case 3 (43-year-old female) involved lesions extending from the medulla to the spinal cord, whereas Case 4 (68-year-old female) exhibited only optic neuritis. All patients were diagnosed with AQP4-antibody-positive NMOSD based on the 2015 International Diagnostic Criteria. The initial prednisolone doses before reduction in Cases 1–4 were 25, 25, 10, and 7 mg/day, respectively. The durations from steroid discontinuation to September 11, 2025, for Cases 1–4 were 248, 1178, 1120, and 838 days, respectively, with no relapses observed to date.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Initiating prednisolone tapering at a rate of 1 mg every 4 weeks starting 8 weeks after satralizumab introduction appears to be an effective and safe approach.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":10193,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Neuroimmunology","volume":"17 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/cen3.70061","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147567368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cases of AQP4-Antibody-Positive Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Successfully Discontinuing Steroids With Satralizumab Treatment: Considerations on the Method of Tapering for Steroids After the Introduction of Satralizumab","authors":"Kiyotaka Nakamagoe,&nbsp;Mayuko Tanaka,&nbsp;Kota Igari,&nbsp;Tetsu Suzuki,&nbsp;Shinji Saiki","doi":"10.1111/cen3.70061","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/cen3.70061","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Satralizumab is used for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). However, there are currently no standardized guidelines regarding the method or speed of steroid tapering after its introduction. In 2023, we proposed a method to commence tapering prednisolone at a rate of 1 mg every 4 weeks, starting 8 weeks after satralizumab introduction (following four subcutaneous administrations of 120 mg each). Here we report the clinical courses of four patients with aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4)-positive NMOSD who discontinued steroids following a similar tapering method, advocating for the utility of this approach.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Case Presentation</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Case 1 (67-year-old female) and Case 2 (66-year-old female) exhibited optic nerve and spinal cord lesions. Case 3 (43-year-old female) involved lesions extending from the medulla to the spinal cord, whereas Case 4 (68-year-old female) exhibited only optic neuritis. All patients were diagnosed with AQP4-antibody-positive NMOSD based on the 2015 International Diagnostic Criteria. The initial prednisolone doses before reduction in Cases 1–4 were 25, 25, 10, and 7 mg/day, respectively. The durations from steroid discontinuation to September 11, 2025, for Cases 1–4 were 248, 1178, 1120, and 838 days, respectively, with no relapses observed to date.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Initiating prednisolone tapering at a rate of 1 mg every 4 weeks starting 8 weeks after satralizumab introduction appears to be an effective and safe approach.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":10193,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Neuroimmunology","volume":"17 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/cen3.70061","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147567369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Response to the Letter to the Editor: “Multiple Sclerosis in Morocco: Impact on Patients' Quality of Life”","authors":"Rachid Lotfi,&nbsp;Hind Bel Amgharia,&nbsp;Sami Ennaciri,&nbsp;Mourad Chikhaoui,&nbsp;Ahmed Chetoui,&nbsp;Jaouad Elkhalladi,&nbsp;Fatiha Chigr","doi":"10.1111/cen3.70060","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/cen3.70060","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10193,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Neuroimmunology","volume":"17 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147567000","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Response to the Letter to the Editor: “Multiple Sclerosis in Morocco: Impact on Patients' Quality of Life”","authors":"Rachid Lotfi,&nbsp;Hind Bel Amgharia,&nbsp;Sami Ennaciri,&nbsp;Mourad Chikhaoui,&nbsp;Ahmed Chetoui,&nbsp;Jaouad Elkhalladi,&nbsp;Fatiha Chigr","doi":"10.1111/cen3.70060","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/cen3.70060","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10193,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Neuroimmunology","volume":"17 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147567292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Relapse and Neurological Prognosis in Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease: A Retrospective Secondary Analysis of a Japanese Nationwide Epidemiologic Survey","authors":"Masashi Nakamura,&nbsp;Juichi Fujimori,&nbsp;Akiyuki Uzawa,&nbsp;Satoshi Kuwabara,&nbsp;Ichiro Nakashima","doi":"10.1111/cen3.70059","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/cen3.70059","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Some patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) experience multiple relapses and poor prognoses; however, the factors associated with these outcomes are unclear. This study aimed to identify factors associated with relapse and neurological prognosis in patients with MOGAD.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from a nationwide epidemiological survey of MOGAD conducted in Japan in 2021 to examine the associations of clinical characteristics with relapse and neurological prognosis. Prognosis was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), comparing patients with EDSS scores ≤ 2 (good prognosis) to those with EDSS scores ≥ 4.5 (poor prognosis). In the multivariate analyses, clinical characteristics, phenotypes, cerebrospinal fluid data, acute-phase treatments at disease onset, and maintenance treatments were analyzed. Outcomes were also compared between patients with oligoclonal IgG bands (OCB) positivity and negativity.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Of the 679 patients with relapse information, 371 (54.6%) experienced relapse, whereas 308 (45.4%) did not. In the multivariate analysis, OCB positivity was associated with relapse, whereas plasma exchange (PE) administration at disease onset was associated with a monophasic course. Of the 637 patients with EDSS scores, 541 (84.9%) had a good prognosis, whereas 46 (7.2%) had a poor prognosis. In the multivariate analysis, PE administration at disease onset was associated with poor prognosis. The number of patients experiencing relapse was higher among those with OCB positivity, although no differences were observed in the median interval from onset to the first relapse.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In MOGAD, OCB positivity may predict relapse, and adequate acute-phase treatment may reduce relapse risk.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":10193,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Neuroimmunology","volume":"17 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/cen3.70059","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147564151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Relapse and Neurological Prognosis in Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease: A Retrospective Secondary Analysis of a Japanese Nationwide Epidemiologic Survey","authors":"Masashi Nakamura,&nbsp;Juichi Fujimori,&nbsp;Akiyuki Uzawa,&nbsp;Satoshi Kuwabara,&nbsp;Ichiro Nakashima","doi":"10.1111/cen3.70059","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/cen3.70059","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Some patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) experience multiple relapses and poor prognoses; however, the factors associated with these outcomes are unclear. This study aimed to identify factors associated with relapse and neurological prognosis in patients with MOGAD.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from a nationwide epidemiological survey of MOGAD conducted in Japan in 2021 to examine the associations of clinical characteristics with relapse and neurological prognosis. Prognosis was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), comparing patients with EDSS scores ≤ 2 (good prognosis) to those with EDSS scores ≥ 4.5 (poor prognosis). In the multivariate analyses, clinical characteristics, phenotypes, cerebrospinal fluid data, acute-phase treatments at disease onset, and maintenance treatments were analyzed. Outcomes were also compared between patients with oligoclonal IgG bands (OCB) positivity and negativity.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Of the 679 patients with relapse information, 371 (54.6%) experienced relapse, whereas 308 (45.4%) did not. In the multivariate analysis, OCB positivity was associated with relapse, whereas plasma exchange (PE) administration at disease onset was associated with a monophasic course. Of the 637 patients with EDSS scores, 541 (84.9%) had a good prognosis, whereas 46 (7.2%) had a poor prognosis. In the multivariate analysis, PE administration at disease onset was associated with poor prognosis. The number of patients experiencing relapse was higher among those with OCB positivity, although no differences were observed in the median interval from onset to the first relapse.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In MOGAD, OCB positivity may predict relapse, and adequate acute-phase treatment may reduce relapse risk.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":10193,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Neuroimmunology","volume":"17 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/cen3.70059","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147564180","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Historical Overview of Epidemiological Studies on Multiple Sclerosis in Japan","authors":"Mitsuru Watanabe","doi":"10.1111/cen3.70053","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/cen3.70053","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Multiple sclerosis (MS) was long considered rare in Japan until the 1950s, but epidemiological evidence has since accumulated. This review outlines the development of MS epidemiology in Japan and summarizes nationwide and regional trends in prevalence, clinical and laboratory features, genetic and environmental risk factors, and disease burden. Across five nationwide surveys (1972–2018), the estimated number of patients and crude prevalence have increased substantially, although prevalence remains lower than that in Western countries. Distinct features have been reported in Japanese MS, including relatively mild disability and a low oligoclonal IgG band positivity rate. Although many genetic and environmental risk factors are shared with MS in Western countries, <i>HLA-DRB1*04:05</i>, which is most frequent in Japanese patients with MS but rare in Western populations, may partly explain phenotypic differences in a subset of patients. Nationwide surveys and analyses of health insurance claims databases suggest improving disease severity and declining hospitalization rates in recent years, likely reflecting broader availability and increased use of disease-modifying drugs. Despite mild disability and improving disease severity, the burden of MS remains substantial, with cognitive impairment, reduced quality of life, work productivity loss, and increasing healthcare costs. Further understanding of population-specific factors and features is needed to translate epidemiologic insights into better symptom control and outcomes. Prospective longitudinal cohort studies that enroll a larger number of patients and distinguish MS, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease are warranted.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":10193,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Neuroimmunology","volume":"17 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147563063","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Historical Overview of Epidemiological Studies on Multiple Sclerosis in Japan","authors":"Mitsuru Watanabe","doi":"10.1111/cen3.70053","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/cen3.70053","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Multiple sclerosis (MS) was long considered rare in Japan until the 1950s, but epidemiological evidence has since accumulated. This review outlines the development of MS epidemiology in Japan and summarizes nationwide and regional trends in prevalence, clinical and laboratory features, genetic and environmental risk factors, and disease burden. Across five nationwide surveys (1972–2018), the estimated number of patients and crude prevalence have increased substantially, although prevalence remains lower than that in Western countries. Distinct features have been reported in Japanese MS, including relatively mild disability and a low oligoclonal IgG band positivity rate. Although many genetic and environmental risk factors are shared with MS in Western countries, <i>HLA-DRB1*04:05</i>, which is most frequent in Japanese patients with MS but rare in Western populations, may partly explain phenotypic differences in a subset of patients. Nationwide surveys and analyses of health insurance claims databases suggest improving disease severity and declining hospitalization rates in recent years, likely reflecting broader availability and increased use of disease-modifying drugs. Despite mild disability and improving disease severity, the burden of MS remains substantial, with cognitive impairment, reduced quality of life, work productivity loss, and increasing healthcare costs. Further understanding of population-specific factors and features is needed to translate epidemiologic insights into better symptom control and outcomes. Prospective longitudinal cohort studies that enroll a larger number of patients and distinguish MS, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease are warranted.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":10193,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Neuroimmunology","volume":"17 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147562881","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Autoimmune Cerebellar Ataxia Following TNF-α Inhibitor Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report","authors":"Tomohide Ando,&nbsp;Nobuaki Yoshikura,&nbsp;Akira Takekoshi,&nbsp;Akio Kimura,&nbsp;Takayoshi Shimohata","doi":"10.1111/cen3.70055","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/cen3.70055","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors are widely used to treat autoimmune diseases, but accumulating evidence has linked TNF-α inhibitor therapy to inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) disorders. While an association with demyelinating disease has been established, the relationship between TNF-α inhibitors and autoimmune cerebellar ataxia (ACA) or autoimmune encephalitis remains poorly defined.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Case Presentation</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We report a 55-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis who developed progressive gait ataxia and dysarthria 1 month after starting golimumab, a TNF-α inhibitor. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed an elevated IgG index (1.44) with normal cell count, cytokine levels, and negative oligoclonal bands. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed mild cerebellar atrophy, and single-photon emission computed tomography demonstrated cerebellar hypoperfusion. A tissue-based immunofluorescence assay using rat brain sections showed the patient's Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IgG binding to the neuropil of the cerebellar molecular layer, suggesting cell-surface anti-neuronal antibodies. Intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy and discontinuation of golimumab led to clinical improvement, partial normalization of cerebellar perfusion, and a decrease in IgG index.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This case suggests that TNF-α inhibitor therapy may trigger ACA through the production of anti-neuronal antibodies. Clinicians should consider drug-induced autoimmunity when new-onset cerebellar ataxia develops during TNF-α inhibitor treatment and promptly initiate immunologic evaluation and treatment.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":10193,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Neuroimmunology","volume":"17 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147569414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}