CXCL13 is a biomarker of inflammation in multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, and other neurological conditions

Abstract

CXCL13, a B-cell chemokine, has been proposed as a biomarker in a variety of conditions, some of which can mimic multiple sclerosis and can have very high levels. In this case-control study, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CXCL13 was elevated in multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica and other inflammatory neurological controls compared with noninflammatory controls. Levels did not differentiate disease groups. For all subjects taken together, CSF CXCL13 correlated with CSF WBC, oligoclonal band numbers, CSF protein, EDSS, and neurofilament levels. In subgroup analyses, CSF CXCL13 correlated with CSF WBC in neuromyelitis optica and IgG index in multiple sclerosis. Additionally, serum CXCL13 was elevated in neuromyelitis optica.

Keywords: CXCL13; Multiple sclerosis; biomarker; myelin basic protein; neurofilament; neuroinflammation; neuromyelitis optica.

Figure 1. CXCL13 levels in neuroinflammatory conditions

CXCL13 levels in A) CSF and B) serum in subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica (NMO), other inflammatory neurological conditions (OIC), and noninflammatory controls (NIC). CXCL13 correlates with C) IgG index and D) white blood cell count (WBC) across patient groups (solid lines) although correlations are still seen for IgG index in MS subjects (C) and WBC for NMO subjects (D)(dashed lines represent subgroup correlations of interest). Disability, as assessed using the expanded disability status scale (EDSS), correlated with E) CSF neurofilament and F) CSF CXCL13. Note that logarithmic scales were used to better demonstrate values.