Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
05:55
Quantification of Autoreactive Antibodies in Mice upon Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: December 1, 2023
Antibody-Mediated Mechanisms in Autoimmune Neurological Disorders
Estibaliz Maudes1, Laura Marmolejo2,3, Ana Beatriz Serafim2,3
1Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre, Göttingen, Germany.
The European Journal of Neuroscience
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Autoimmune encephalitis involves autoantibodies attacking brain cells, disrupting cognition. Advances in understanding these antibody-mediated mechanisms, including Fc features and B-cell responses, are crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- Antibody-mediated encephalitides are a growing group of neurological disorders.
- Autoantibodies targeting neuronal surface proteins impair synaptic function and cognition.
- Anti-NMDAR encephalitis serves as a key model for understanding these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent advances in understanding antibody-mediated encephalitides.
- To highlight how antibody mechanisms contribute to neurological dysfunction.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies informed by current research.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental approaches including in vitro systems, mouse models (passive-transfer, active immunization).
- Examination of B-cell responses, intrathecal immunity, and microglial engagement.
- Analysis of antibody Fc features (subclass, glycosylation) and their role in innate immunity.
Main Results:
- Experimental models elucidate disease pathogenesis and B-cell involvement.
- Antibody Fc features correlate with innate immune activation and clinical heterogeneity.
- Proinflammatory Fc signatures are linked to poorer patient outcomes.
- Long-lasting cognitive deficits, especially in working memory, are observed in models and patients.
Conclusions:
- Integrating molecular immunoprofiling with systems neuroscience can enhance prognostic accuracy.
- Therapeutic strategies include synapse stabilization, NMDAR modulation, B-cell targeting, and Fc-pathway modulation.
- Restoring immune homeostasis and promoting functional circuit recovery are key treatment goals.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
01:29Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, tissues, and organs. This results from an overactive immune response against substances and tissues normally present in the body. Let's delve into the concept and mechanism of autoimmune diseases from an immune system point of view, explore different causes and examples of such diseases, and discuss potential solutions.
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
01:22Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology
The disease process of myasthenia gravis begins at the neuromuscular junction, where antibodies attack key proteins needed for muscle activation. This immune reaction weakens signal transmission, leading to the characteristic muscle fatigue and weakness that define the condition.Immune-Mediated DamageIn most individuals, antibodies target acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) on the postsynaptic membrane of muscle cells. By blocking acetylcholine binding, these antibodies prevent the nerve signal...
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...