Highly sensitive quantification of optic neuritis intrathecal biomarker CXCL13

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• CXCL13 is a key regulator of B-cell recruitment in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and is implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Elevated CXCL13 levels in CSF are associated with MS pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the predictive value of CXCL13 measurement using a highly sensitive assay for the development of MS in patients with acute optic neuritis (ON).

Main Methods:

• CXCL13 levels were measured using the Simoa assay in two independent treatment-naïve ON cohorts (training cohort: n=33, validation cohort: n=30).
• Patients were prospectively followed to determine progression to MS (MS-ON) or isolated ON (ION).
• Statistical analysis included logistic regression and ROC curve analysis.

Main Results:

• CXCL13 was detectable in all samples and higher in ON patients compared to healthy controls (HC).
• CSF CXCL13 levels were significantly higher in MS-ON patients compared to ION patients and HC in both cohorts.
• Logistic regression analysis showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.83, indicating good predictive value.

Conclusions:

• The highly sensitive Simoa assay for CXCL13 can identify ON patients.
• This assay can differentiate between MS-ON and ION, suggesting its potential as a predictive diagnostic tool for MS in ON patients.