Anti-NMDAR antibodies, the blood-brain barrier, and anti-NMDAR encephalitis
Xiarong Gong1,2, Niya Wang3, Hongyan Zhu4
1Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China.
Abstract:
Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is an antibody-related autoimmune encephalitis. It is characterized by the existence of antibodies against NMDAR, mainly against the GluN1 subunit, in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Recent research suggests that anti-NMDAR antibodies may reduce NMDAR levels in this disorder, compromising synaptic activity in the hippocampus. Although anti-NMDAR antibodies are used as diagnostic indicators, the origin of antibodies in the central nervous system (CNS) is unclear. The blood-brain barrier (BBB), which separates the brain from the peripheral circulatory system, is crucial for antibodies and immune cells to enter or exit the CNS. The findings of cytokines in this disorder support the involvement of the BBB. Here, we aim to review the function of NMDARs and the relationship between anti-NMDAR antibodies and anti-NMDAR encephalitis. We summarize the present knowledge of the composition of the BBB, especially by emphasizing the role of BBB components. Finally, we further provide a discussion on the impact of BBB dysfunction in anti-NMDAR encephalitis.
More Related Videos
07:20A Simple Cell-based Immunofluorescence Assay to Detect Autoantibody Against the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate NMDA Receptor in Blood
Published on: January 9, 2018
08:20Hippocampal Neuronal Cultures to Detect and Study New Pathogenic Antibodies Involved in Autoimmune Encephalitis
Published on: June 2, 2022
Related Concept Videos
The Blood-brain Barrier
Arboviral Encephalitis
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
