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Updated: May 3, 2026

Peptide Scanning-assisted Identification of a Monoclonal Antibody-recognized Linear B-cell Epitope
08:09

Peptide Scanning-assisted Identification of a Monoclonal Antibody-recognized Linear B-cell Epitope

Published on: March 24, 2017

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Potential Autoepitope within the Extracellular Region of Contactin-Associated Protein-like 2 in Mice

Demian F Obregon1, Yuyan Zhu1, Antoinette R Bailey1

  • 1Rashid Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, Silver Child Development Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, MDT 14, 3515 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, Florida, 33613, USA.

British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research
|January 28, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Researchers found that contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) has a potential autoepitope. Antibodies targeting this region were detected in children with autism, suggesting a link between CNTNAP2 autoimmunity and autism spectrum disorder.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) is implicated in autoimmune encephalitis, neuromyotonia, and genetic autism.
  • The role of CNTNAP2 in autoimmune disorders and autism requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify potential autoepitopes within the CNTNAP2 protein.
  • To investigate the presence of antibodies against CNTNAP2 in children with autism.

Main Methods:

  • Identification of CNTNAP2 sequence-similar regions (CSSRs) from human pathogens.
  • Analysis of sera from autistic and control children for anti-CSSR antibodies.
  • Evaluation of a candidate CSSR in a mouse model of acute infection.

Main Results:

  • Antibodies binding to discrete regions of CNTNAP2 were found in sera from both autistic and control children.
  • In a mouse model, a CNTNAP2-derived CSSR induced anti-CNTNAP2 antibodies, inflammation, T-cell infiltration, and motor dysfunction.

Conclusions:

  • CNTNAP2 contains a potential autoepitope within its extracellular region.
  • These findings suggest a possible autoimmune component involving CNTNAP2 in autism spectrum disorder.
Keywords:
CNTNAP2Caspr 2autismautoantibodyautoepitopeautoimmuneencephalopathymolecular mimicry

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