AQP4
Aquaporin-4
Plain-language definition
A water channel protein in the brain and spinal cord. Antibodies against AQP4 are the hallmark of NMO and help distinguish it from MS.
Where this term comes up
“It is FDA-approved to prevent relapses in adults with AQP4-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).”
Medication · Eculizumab (Soliris)
“AQP4 antibodies positive in most cases”
Condition · Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO/Devic's Disease)
“Aquaporin-4 (AQP4/NMO-IgG) antibodies”
Test · Autoantibody Testing Panels
- Category
- Immune system term
- Also written as
- No alternate forms listed.
Immunology terms describe immune-system activity, antibodies, inflammation, or autoimmune processes that can affect the eyes and nerves.
Related glossary terms
- MOGAD
MOG Antibody Disease
- MOG
Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein
- NMO
Neuromyelitis Optica
- MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- autoimmune
Self-Attacking Immune Response
- bilaterally
On Both Sides
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.