Anti-neurofascin demyelinating diseases (anti-NF diseases) refers to health conditions engendered by auto-antibodies against neurofascins, which can produce both central and peripheral demyelination. Some cases of combined central and peripheral demyelination (CCPD) could be produced by them.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: Some cases of CIDP are reported to be produced by auto-antibodies against several neurofascin proteins. These proteins are present in the neurons and four of them have been reported to produce disease: NF186, NF180, NF166 and NF155. Neuromyelitis optica: NF auto antibodies can also appear in NMO cases. These antibodies are more related to the peripheral nervous demyelination, but they were also found in NMO. Multiple sclerosis: Also antibodies against neurofascins NF-155 can also appear in atypical multiple sclerosis and NF-186 could be involved in subtypes of MS yielding an intersection between both conditions. Around 10% of MS cases are now thought to be anti-NF cases.
Current status Whether ANFAs are part of a unique and emerging disease entity, disease modifiers, or inconsequential remains to be elucidated with time. Anti-neurofascin antibodies are found in multiple sclerosis, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.
History The first report about a subgroup of MS patients with anti-NF and contactin 2 auto-antibodies was published in 2011.
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