Marker for neuromyelitis optica

Abstract

The present invention provides for methods and materials for diagnosing and treating neuromyelitis optica (NMO).

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method of modulating the symptoms in an individual having NMO, the method comprising:
 administering an effective amount of a NMO antigenic polypeptide to the individual, wherein the NMO polypeptide is aquaporin-4, thereby modulating the symptoms in the individual having NMO.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein modulating the symptoms refers to reducing the severity of one or more symptoms. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the administering step is by a route selected from the group consisting of orally, nasally, intravenously, intramuscularly, intraperitonealy, subcutaneously, intrathecally, intradermally, topically, and parenterally. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the NMO antigenic polypeptide is administered to the individual in the form of a nucleic acid vector. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the NMO antigenic polypeptide is expressed from a nucleic acid vector. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the NMO antigenic polypeptide is a full length aquaporin-4. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the NMO antigenic polypeptide is a fragment of aquaporin-4. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the NMO antigenic polypeptide is comprised within a pharmaceutical composition. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising monitoring the symptoms in the individual.