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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
10:19
High-throughput Flow Cytometry Cell-based Assay to Detect Antibodies to N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptor or Dopamine-2 Receptor in Human Serum
Published on: November 23, 2013
[Rasmussen encephalitis and non-herpetic acute limbic encephalitis]
Yukitoshi Takahashi1, Yuko Kubota, Etsuko Yamasaki
1National Epilepsy Center, Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders.
Rinsho Shinkeigaku = Clinical Neurology
|April 16, 2008
Summary
Rasmussen syndrome and non-herpetic acute limbic encephalitis are autoimmune disorders targeting glutamate receptors after infections. Autoantibodies against GluRepsilon2 are implicated in early stages and cognitive changes, with cellular immunity also playing a role.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Autoimmune Neurology
- Epileptology
Context:
- Rasmussen syndrome (RS) and non-herpetic acute limbic encephalitis (NHALE) are autoimmune conditions often triggered by infections.
- These disorders are characterized by autoimmune responses targeting neuronal molecules, particularly glutamate receptors (GluRs).
- RS is a prime example of autoimmune-mediated epilepsy, while NHALE presents with diverse neurological and psychiatric symptoms.
Purpose:
- To review the pathophysiological mechanisms of RS and NHALE, focusing on the role of autoantibodies against glutamate receptors.
- To analyze the clinical characteristics, autoantibody profiles, and immune responses in patients with RS and NHALE.
- To investigate the potential contribution of autoantibodies and cellular immunity to the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of these conditions.
Summary:
- Autoantibodies against GluRepsilon2 (NMDA-R2B) are detected in RS patients, potentially contributing to early-stage pathology and cognitive/behavioral changes.
- Cellular immunity, involving T cells and Granzyme B, is also implicated in RS pathogenesis.
- NHALE patients exhibit autoantibodies against GluRepsilon2, particularly targeting the NT1 epitope, which may infiltrate the CNS and cause limbic symptoms.
- NHALE autoantibody profiles show age-dependent heterogeneity, with GluRepsilon2 antibodies more common in younger adults.
Impact:
- Highlights the critical role of autoimmunity against glutamate receptors in RS and NHALE.
- Suggests potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets based on autoantibody profiles and immune responses.
- Provides insights into the age-dependent heterogeneity of autoantibodies in limbic encephalitis, aiding in differential diagnosis.
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