NMDA receptor encephalitis and other antibody-mediated disorders of the synapse: The 2016 Cotzias Lecture

Investigations during the last 10 years have revealed a group of disorders mediated by antibodies against ion channels and synaptic receptors, which cause both neurologic and psychiatric symptoms. In this review, I discuss the process of discovery and immunologic triggers of these disorders, and use anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis to emphasize the importance of understanding the underlying physiopathologic mechanisms in those diseases. A better knowledge of these mechanisms reveals points of convergence with other disorders (e.g., schizophrenia), suggests treatment strategies beyond immunotherapy, and is helping us understand how memories are formed and retrieved.
Source: Neurology - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Autoimmune diseases, Encephalitis, Paraneoplastic syndrome, Psychosis SPECIAL ARTICLE Source Type: research