2016, in transverse myelitis (LETM) and atypical NMO, leading to the concept of autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy. Other autoantibody being researched is flotillin. It has been found in seronegative NMO and some MS patients. Finally, other proteins under study are connexin 43 and anti-AQP1, although, as of 2015, there are only initial reports about the involvement of these proteins. The group AQP4+/MOG+ is very small and it can be considered a coincidence of two completely separate diseases in the same person. Assuming these cases can be verified, five different kinds of NMO are being considered: NMO derived from an autoimmune channelopathy (AQP4-Ab+) – around 80% of total NMO cases NMO derived from an anti-MOG associated encephalomyelitis – around 10% of total cases Connexin-43 NMO Aquaporin-1 associated NMO which could be related to pattern III MS Idiopathic NMO, defined by the absence of all previous antibodies Antibody negative neuromyelitis optica Some cases of NMO are not due to autoantibodies. They constitute an overlap between NMO and MS. As of 2019 some statistical studies showed that antibody-negative NMO can be classified into three groups, and that this classification has a pathogenic meaning. Later studies have increased the number of groups up to four. Notable patients Christine Hà (chef and author) Cassie Mitchell (paralympian and biomedical engineering professor) See also Anti-AQP4 disease Demyelinating disease Idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating diseases Multiple sclerosis Tocilizumab References Autoimmune diseases Demyelinating diseases of CNS Myelin disorders Rare diseases