Autoimmune neuro-ophthalmic disorders: pathophysiologic mechanisms and targeted biologic therapies

Abstract

Introduction: Autoimmune neuro-ophthalmic disorders encompass a diverse array of conditions, including thyroid eye disease (TED), myasthenia gravis (MG), optic neuropathy due to giant cell arteritis (GCA), and optic neuritis related to multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). While traditional treatments have shown efficacy in managing symptoms, the rapid emergence of biologic therapies has brought forth new avenues for targeted intervention, revolutionizing treatment approaches for these conditions.

Areas covered: This review highlights the pathophysiologic pathways and FDA-approved biologic therapies utilized in the management of autoimmune neuro-ophthalmic disorders. We explore multiple therapeutic approaches for autoimmune neuro-ophthalmic disorders, including IGF-1 R antagonism, IL-6 inhibition, complement inhibition, FcRn targeting, B-cell depletion and T-cell modulation. Literature from clinical trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses through 2024 was evaluated to assess efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes.

Expert opinion: Biologic therapies represent a significant advancement in autoimmune neuro-ophthalmic disorders, offering targeted approaches with improved efficacy and safety profiles compared to traditional treatments. Ongoing developments in biomarker identification and delivery systems suggest an increasingly personalized approach to treatment. Future advances will likely focus on optimizing patient selection, reducing costs, improving accessibility, and developing novel therapeutic targets.

Keywords: Biologic therapy; giant cell arteritis; monoclonal antibody; myasthenia gravis; myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD); neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD); optic neuritis; thyroid eye disease.