Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2025

10:50
Visualizing Impairment of the Endothelial and Glial Barriers of the Neurovascular Unit during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis In Vivo
Published on: March 26, 2019
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Current and emerging therapies for autoimmune encephalitis.
Darina Dinov1, Linda Nguyen2, Kyle Blackburn1
1Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics
|March 24, 2025
Summary
Autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) is an inflammatory brain disorder treated with immunotherapy. This review examines current treatments for AIE subtypes like anti-NMDAR and LGI1 encephalitis, highlighting evidence gaps and future therapeutic directions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Neuroinflammation
Background:
- Autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) is an inflammatory neurological disorder characterized by autoantibodies against neural or glial antigens.
- Current immunotherapy strategies for AIE exist, but optimal treatment protocols for specific subtypes remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology of AIE based on autoantibody targets (cell surface vs. intracellular antigens).
- To discuss current immunotherapy treatments for AIE, including side effect management and monitoring.
- To examine evidence for treatment approaches in anti-NMDAR and LGI1 encephalitis and provide an outlook on future therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar (2005-2024) using keywords: 'autoimmune encephalitis,' 'anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis,' 'LG1 encephalitis.'
Main Results:
- AIE pathophysiology varies depending on autoantibody targets.
- Evidence for specific AIE treatments is largely from observational studies, necessitating further clinical trials.
- Ongoing clinical trials and emerging targeted therapies offer promise for improved patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Immunotherapy benefits patients with AIE, but robust evidence for optimal strategies is limited.
- Future clinical trials are crucial for establishing effective treatment guidelines and developing targeted therapies for AIE subtypes.
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