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A Simple Cell-based Immunofluorescence Assay to Detect Autoantibody Against the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor in Blood
07:20

A Simple Cell-based Immunofluorescence Assay to Detect Autoantibody Against the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor in Blood

Published on: January 9, 2018

NMDA receptor antibody encephalitis

Sarosh R Irani1, Angela Vincent

  • 1Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Level 6, West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX39DS, UK. saroshirani@doctors.net.uk

Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|February 19, 2011
PubMed

Insights

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibody encephalitis is an immunotherapy-responsive condition. Early diagnosis and treatment, including tumor removal if applicable, improve patient outcomes and recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Neurology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibody encephalitis is a recently identified, treatable autoimmune disorder.
  • Initially described as a paraneoplastic syndrome in young women with ovarian teratomas, it now affects a broader demographic, including children and males, often without an identifiable tumor.
  • The condition presents with characteristic psychiatric symptoms followed by movement disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the current understanding of NMDAR antibody encephalitis.
  • To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and immunotherapy.
  • To discuss the pathogenic role of NMDAR antibodies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical features, diagnostic advancements, and treatment outcomes.
  • Analysis of the correlation between antibody levels and disease severity.
  • In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating the effect of antibodies on NMDA receptors.

Main Results:

  • The NMDAR antibody assay is now globally available, facilitating diagnosis.
  • Antibody levels correlate with clinical severity, indicating direct pathogenicity.
  • NMDAR antibodies reduce NMDA receptor density on hippocampal neurons.

Conclusions:

  • Early diagnosis of NMDAR antibody encephalitis followed by prompt immunotherapy and tumor resection (if applicable) is crucial for recovery.
  • NMDAR antibodies are directly pathogenic, causing a reduction in functional NMDA receptors.
  • The spectrum of NMDAR antibody encephalitis extends beyond young women with teratomas, affecting diverse populations.

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