Mycophenolate mofetil for the long-term treatment of HTLV-1 associated myelopathy: A case report

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) can cause HTLV-1 Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Current treatment options for HAM/TSP are limited. We present a woman with rapidly-progressive HAM/TSP with significant, sustained clinical improvement following initiation of mycophenolate mofetil (MMA). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the patient, her asymptomatic carrier husband and eight healthy controls were isolated. Frequencies of T-cell populations upon exposure to low and high MMA concentrations and differences in proliferation were analyzed using flow cytometry and a CSFE-proliferation assay. Characterization of T-cell function and proliferation showed higher levels of GranzymeB in HTLV-1+ donors. The improvement and stability of symptoms in this patient with HAM/TSP following MMA initiation requires further study as a potential treatment for HAM/TSP. [Display omitted] •HTLV-1 Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paresis (HAM/TSP) leads to disability.•Current steroid-sparing treatment options for HAM/TSP are limited.•We present a patient with HAM/TSP who improved following treatment with steroids and Myocophenolate mofetil (MMA).•The potential mechanism of action of MMA in treating HAM/TSP requires further investigation.