Distinct virtual histology of gray matter atrophy in neuroinflammatory diseases

Motivation: Gray matter (GM) atrophied early in multiple sclerosis (MS), anti-aquaporin-4 antibody-positive [AQP4+] / -negative [AQP4-] neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). Their neurobiological underpinnings have not been clarified. Goal(s): The purpose was to explore their GM atrophy-associated histology using a multicenter cohort. Approach: 324 MS, 197 AQP4+ NMOSD, 75 AQP4- NMOSD, 47 MOGAD, and 2,169 healthy controls (HCs) were examined by virtual histology method. Results: The unique virtual histology was glial cells for MS, astrocytes for AQP4+ NMOSD and oligodendrocytes for MOGAD. The neuronal and endothelial cells were shared potential targets. Impact: It might help to optimize therapy.