While CBAs using fixed cells are easier to distribute commercially without the need for live cell culture, several studies have documented that fixed CBAs have lower sensitivity and specificity compared to live CBAs ( 9, 15–17).

CBAs that utilize live cells are the gold-standard method for MOG Ab detection ( 15, 16). Cell-based assays (CBAs) have paved the way for accurate MOG Ab detection using conformational human MOG ( 2, 13, 14). There is increasing demand for routine diagnostic MOG Ab testing. Retrospective studies show that early diagnosis and appropriate immunotherapy is critical to improve clinical outcomes ( 10, 12). Relapses occur in 30% to 50% of patients with MOG Ab–associated disease (MOGAD) ( 9–11). Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies (MOG Ab) are an important biomarker of central nervous system demyelinating disorders and have been identified in children with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis ( 1–3), and both children and adults with opticospinal lesions including optic neuritis (ON) and transverse myelitis ( 4–8).

This assay provides robust serostatus determination and improved analytical imprecision with significantly reduced workload. We have optimized a high-throughput flow cytometry live CBA with downstream data analyses to streamline assay implementation to an accredited diagnostic test. However, translation of these research assays to diagnostics is difficult due to protocol variations, analyses, and positivity cutoffs. Live cell-based assays (CBA) are recognized as the gold standard. The differential diagnosis of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG Ab)-associated disease (MOGAD) from multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders relies on the detection of serum MOG Ab.

Mog meaning medical