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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 26, 2026

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
06:35

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis

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Folate Receptor Alpha Autoantibodies in Vector-Borne Disease Populations.

Lindsey Wells1, Myriah Hinchey1, Richard E Frye1

  • 1Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation, Phoenix, AZ 85050, USA.

Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 25, 2026
PubMed
Summary

A high prevalence of folate receptor-α autoantibodies (FRAAs) was found in pediatric patients with vector-borne diseases (VBDs). This suggests a potential link between VBDs like Lyme disease and autoimmune conditions affecting brain function.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatric Neurology

Background:

  • Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) caused by *Borrelia*, *Bartonella*, and *Babesia* species are linked to neuropsychiatric issues.
  • Cerebral folate deficiency (CFD), caused by folate receptor-α autoantibodies (FRAAs), contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders like PANS and ASD.
  • FRAA prevalence in VBD populations remains uninvestigated despite overlapping symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of FRAAs in patients with confirmed VBDs.
  • To explore potential associations between FRAAs and VBDs, particularly *Borrelia* species infections.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of 68 VBD-positive patients.
  • VBD testing via IGeneX Laboratories; FRAA analysis (binding, blocking, sFR) by Religen Laboratories.
Keywords:
folate receptor alphafolate receptor alpha autoantibodiesleucovorinpediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS)vector-borne diseases

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Last Updated: Jun 26, 2026

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  • Statistical analysis using Fisher's exact test with Wilson 95% confidence intervals.

    • Main Results:

    • 61.8% of VBD-positive patients tested positive for FRAAs.
    • Soluble folate receptor (sFR) was detected in 11.8% of patients, all FRAA-positive and often with *Borrelia* infection.
    • Neuropsychiatric symptoms were common but did not significantly differ between FRAA-positive and negative groups.

    Conclusions:

    • High FRAA prevalence observed in a pediatric VBD cohort.
    • sFR strongly associated with *Borrelia* species infection, suggesting a link to folate receptor autoimmunity.
    • Recommends FRAA testing for VBD patients and further research in larger cohorts.