Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are inflammatory disorders which mainly affect the optic nerve and the spinal cord, but can involve the brain and brainstem. The detection of antibodies (Abs) which target aquaporin-4 in a large group of NMOSD patients gave rise to the concept that NMOSD is distinct from multiple sclerosis. In addition, Abs to MOG have been found in a subgroup of patients. There is still a sizeable group of patients with clinical symptoms of NMOSD without identified specific Abs, complicating diagnosis and treatment of patients. In this proposal we want to identify novel Abs in this patient group. We believe that the discovery of novel brain reactive Abs and their target antigen has immense importance for the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of NMOSD. 

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