Clinical improvement in a patient with neuromyelitis optica following therapy with the anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody tocilizumab

Vol.23 No.4

Case Report

Clinical improvement in a patient with neuromyelitis optica following therapy with the anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody tocilizumab

Authors

Manabu Araki¹ , Toshimasa Aranami² , Takako Matsuoka² , Masakazu Nakamura² , Sachiko Miyake² , Takashi Yamamura^{1, 2}

Multiple Sclerosis Center, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira Tokyo, 187-8551, Japan
Department of Immunology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan

Received:

16 May 2012

Accepted:

21 June 2012

Published online:

11 July 2012

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Abstract

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a disabling autoimmune disease associated with an elevation of antiaquaporin 4 (AQP4) autoantibodies. Here, we present a case with NMO who responded to monthly administration of the anti-IL-6 receptor antibody tocilizumab. The treatment rapidly reduced the elevated numbers of plasmablasts and anti-AQP4 autoantibodies in the patient. Furthermore, neuropathic pain and disability scores gradually improved. Tocilizumab may be considered as a therapeutic option for NMO.

Key words

Interleukin-6, Neuromyelitis optica, Plasmablast, Tocilizumab