Sean J. Pittock

Jan 13, 2025 | cell.com | Yahel Segal |John Soltys |Benjamin D.S. Clarkson |Charles Howe |Sarosh R Irani |Sean J. Pittock

(A) Despite its description as an immune-privileged site, a growing body of knowledge reveals that the CNS is subject to immune surveillance and immune tolerance. CNS antigens drain via the glymphatic system into venous dural sinuses and ultimately cervical lymph nodes (i), where they are presented to lymphocytes and APCs (ii). In a healthy tolerogenic state, autoreactive lymphocytes are then tolerized through peripheral tolerance mechanisms.

Oct 18, 2024 | neurologylive.com | Sean J. Pittock

OpinionVideoOctober 18, 2024Author(s): Satralizumab and inebilizumab demonstrate sustained efficacy and favorable safety profiles in NMOSD management, reducing relapse rates significantly. Satralizumab targets interleukin-6 receptors, while inebilizumab targets CD19, both contributing to reduced relapse rates in NMOSD patients. Rituximab, used off-label, effectively reduces NMOSD relapses but necessitates careful safety monitoring due to its CD20-targeting mechanism.

Oct 18, 2024 | neurologylive.com | Sean J. Pittock

OpinionVideoOctober 18, 2024Author(s): Long-term data aids in optimizing treatment plans by offering insights into efficacy, safety, and patient outcomes over time. Staying updated with research findings is essential for integrating long-term data into clinical practice to enhance patient care. Collaborative sharing of experiences and strategies among clinicians can improve the effective use of long-term data in practice.

Oct 11, 2024 | neurologylive.com | Sean J. Pittock

OpinionVideoOctober 11, 2024Author(s): Eculizumab and ravulizumab increase meningococcal infection risk, necessitating vaccination in treated patients. Phase 3 and long-term studies emphasize the need for vigilant monitoring and prophylactic measures despite vaccination. Breakthrough infections can occur even with vaccination, highlighting the need for ongoing risk assessment. The impact of meningococcal vaccination on disease relapse activity requires further investigation.

Oct 11, 2024 | neurologylive.com | Sean J. Pittock

OpinionVideoOctober 11, 2024Author(s): Ravulizumab, a complement inhibitor, is FDA-approved for NMOSD, offering a longer half-life than eculizumab, allowing for extended dosing intervals. The standard dosing regimen for ravulizumab includes an initial loading dose followed by maintenance doses every eight weeks. Recent 138-week extension data show sustained efficacy and safety of ravulizumab, with no new safety signals observed.