CD14+Â CD16++ monocytes are increased in patients with NMO and are selectively suppressed by glucocorticoids therapy

- The level of nonclassical monocytes was significantly increased and selectively suppressed by GC in patients with NMO.
- Circulating nonclassical monocytes, the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α are all correlated with NMO disability severity.
- Nonclassical monocytes may be a potential disease biomarker and a therapeutic target in the active phase of NMO.

The pathophysiologic significance of the CD16+ monocyte subset has been demonstrated by its expansion in various autoimmune disorders. To date, the characteristics and roles of monocyte subpopulations in patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) have been poorly defined. We measured the percentages of the monocyte subsets in the peripheral blood, the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA in monocyte subsets and the concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α in plasma and CSF from NMO patients. Our results showed that nonclassical monocytes were up-regulated in NMO patients and significantly elevated IL-1β and TNF-α expression was detected in it. In addition the increased nonclassical monocytes could be selectively suppressed by GC in patients with NMO.

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