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Updated: Jan 3, 2026

A Simple Cell-based Immunofluorescence Assay to Detect Autoantibody Against the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate NMDA Receptor in Blood
Published on: January 9, 2018
Bortezomib-Responsive Refractory Anti-N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis
Ramona Cordani1, Concetta Micalizzi2, Thea Giacomini1
1Unit of Child Neuropsichiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology Genetics and Maternal Infantile Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy.
Background:
Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis is a central nervous system inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting adults and children. The use of first- and second-line immunotherapies is supported. Recent reports suggest the efficacy of bortezomib in severe anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate encephalitis in adult patients not responsive to second-line treatment; there are no data about pediatric patients.
Patient Description:
We describe an eight-year-old child with anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate encephalitis not responsive to first- and second-line treatments who experienced marked clinical improvement after bortezomib administration.
Discussion:
Bortezomib is a selective and reversible inhibitor of the 26S proteasome, which is used to treat oncologic and rare autoimmune disorders in pediatric patients. As observed in adult patients, bortezomib administration induced anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate antibody titer decline and clinical improvement with an acceptable risk profile.
Conclusion:
This is the first report of the use of bortezomib in children with anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate encephalitis; it could be a useful therapeutic option in children with refractory anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate encephalitis.
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