Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disorders in Infectious Contexts

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disorders encompass a spectrum of inflammatory demyelinating conditions of the central nervous system driven by autoantibodies targeting a myelin surface protein. While these disorders can arise idiopathically, mounting evidence highlights an infectious context in which viral pathogens act as triggers or cofactors in disease onset or relapse. Clinical presentations range from optic neuritis and transverse myelitis to acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, with severity and distribution of lesions influenced by the timing and nature of the preceding infection. Molecular mechanisms under investigation include antigenic mimicry, bystander activation of autoreactive lymphocytes and innate immune modulation of the blood–brain barrier. Diagnostic work-up relies on cell-based assays to detect serum and cerebrospinal fluid antibodies, coupled with neuroimaging to characterise lesion patterns. Early recognition of an infectious precipitant is increasingly important for tailored immunotherapy and antiviral prophylaxis. Global surveillance for post-viral demyelination has practical implications for vaccine safety monitoring and for treatment strategies in regions with variable infectious disease burdens.

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Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disorders in Infectious Contexts publication trend

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Technical terms

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG): A surface protein on central nervous system myelin targeted by pathogenic autoantibodies.

Optic neuritis (ON): Inflammation of the optic nerve presenting with acute visual loss and pain on eye movement.

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM): A monophasic inflammatory demyelinating disorder with multifocal neurological deficits.

Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM): A spinal cord lesion spanning three or more vertebral segments, often causing severe sensorimotor impairment.

Seropositivity: The detection of specific antibodies in blood, indicating an immune response to an antigen.

References

1. Prevalence of serum MOG antibody and AQP4 antibody in optic neuritis after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Frontiers in Immunology (2023).
2. Is there an immunological cross-reactivity of antibodies to the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and coronaviruses?. Brain Communications (2024).
3. Influenza-associated MOG antibody-positive longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis: a case report. BMC Neurology (2014).