Aquaporin 4 Reactive T-cell

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) reactive T-cells are a subset of autoreactive T lymphocytes that specifically recognize epitopes derived from the aquaporin-4 water channel protein. AQP4 is predominantly expressed in astrocytic endfeet at the blood-brain barrier, as well as in other tissues. These T-cells play a significant role in the pathogenesis of neuromyelitis optica (NMO), an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). AQP4-reactive T-cells can induce CNS inflammation, particularly targeting astrocytes, and are often Th17-polarized, producing IL-17 and other pro-inflammatory cytokines. Immunodominant epitopes include regions within the N-terminal, transmembrane, and C-terminal domains of AQP4. Tolerance mechanisms normally prevent their activation, but breakdowns in these mechanisms can lead to their pathogenic expansion and contribution to NMOSD.

Other names

AQP4-reactive T-cellAquaporin-4-specific T cellAQP4 specific T cell