Neurofilament Light Chain as a Biomarker in Multiple Sclerosis

• Main Authors: Kristin N. Varhaug, Øivind Torkildsen, Kjell-Morten Myhr, Christian A. Vedeler
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2019-04-01
• Series: Frontiers in Neurology
• Subjects: neurofilament light (NF-L); biomarker; multiple scleorsis (MS); serum; cerebrospinal Fluid—CSF; axonal damage
• Online Access: https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fneur.2019.00338/full

Due to the unpredictable course and heterogenous treatment response in multiple sclerosis (MS), there is a clear need for biomarkers that reflect disease activity in the clinical follow-up of these patients. Neurofilaments are neuron-specific components of the cytoskeleton that can be assayed in different body compartments. They have been explored as potential biomarkers for many years. Neurofilament light chain (NF-L) appears the most promising biomarker in MS patients, and there is now little doubt that NF-L should have a role in the follow-up of MS patients. Newer assays and techniques for NF-L detection available in serum samples confirms the usefulness of NF-L as a biomarker. Nevertheless, there is still a need for prospective studies, and studies to determine clinical useful cut-off values. This review evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of NF-L as a biomarker in patients with MS.