[Research progresses of monoclonal antibodies therapy in neuromyelitis optica]

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a kind of demyelinating disorder that preferentially affects the optic nerves and spinal cord and results in permanent vision loss. There is no effective treatment so far. In recent years, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been applied in a number of clinical drug trials and basic researches in NMO therapy due to its specificity and uniformity. Phase I clinical study found that, symptoms significantly improved in some patients after mAbs treatment. This review will expound the therapy classification, mechanism of action and clinical results involving mAbs, and provide reference for the clinical treatments of NMO.