Monthly Archives:
July 2019

The role of infections in autoimmune encephalitides

B. Joubert, J.Dalmau
International meeting of the French society of neurology & SPILF 2019

Abstract: Autoimmune encephalitides are autoimmune neurological disorders characterized by rapidly progressive central nervous system symptoms associated with specific auto-antibodies targeting neuronal cell-surface proteins. The clinical features of encephalitis are frequently preceded by symptoms suggesting an infectious process, and specific pathogens have been detected at the early phase of the disease in some patients, suggesting that it can be triggered by infections. Moreover, recent data have shown an association with specific HLA haplotypes, suggesting a genetic susceptibility to develop at least some subtypes of autoimmune encephalitis. Nonetheless, the immunological mechanisms leading from an adequate response to infection to autoimmunity against neuronal self-antigens remain highly hypothetical. Molecular mimicry, inborn errors of the host immune system, as well as epitope spreading and chronic activation of innate immunity actors, may be involved. Importantly, the frequency of prodromal infectious symptoms and association with HLA haplotypes differ among autoimmune encephalitides, suggesting that depending on the subtype distinct immunopathogenic mechanisms are involved. A direct link between infection and autoimmune encephalitis was recently provided by the demonstration that most of the so-called relapsing neurological symptoms post-herpes simplex virus encephalitis corresponded to viral-induced autoimmune encephalitis with antibodies against NMDA receptors or other, yet unknown, neuronal surface antigens. Although this association has also been demonstrated experimentally in mice, the underlying immunological mechanisms remain unknown. Overall, a body of clinical, epidemiological and experimental data suggests infections are involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune encephalitides. Further studies, focusing on the interplays between pathogens, genetic determinants of the host immune response, and brain inflammation, are needed to clarify the immunological mechanisms that lead to autoimmune encephalitis after infection.

ENT involvement and orobuccal movements’ disorders in Pandas patients: assessment and rehabilitations tools

S. Cocuzza, S. Marino, A. Gulino, E. Pustorino, P. Murabito, A. Maniaci, L. Sabino, R. Taibi, M. Di Luca, R. Falsaperla, G. Campione, M. Vecchio, P. Pavone
Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci-2019

Findings from our study show that respiratory diseases, characterizing a group of patients with pandas, are the direct consequences of the malformed or hypertrophic condition and suggesting in these conditions surgical therapy as an approaching tool.

Altered frequencies of Th17 and Treg cells in children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Natalia Rodrígueza, Astrid Morerbgh, Azucena González-Navarrocg, Carles Serra-Pages, Daniel Bolo, Teresa Torrese, Albert Martinez-Pinteñoe, Sergi Ma, Amalia Lafuenteegh, Patricia Gassóeg, LuisaLázarobdgh
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity-2019

Highlights
•Th17 cells are increased in children and adolescents with OCD.
•Percentages of Treg cells are reduced in OCD patients.
•Increased levels of Th17 cells are associated with higher severity of OCD symptoms.
•Increased levels of Th17 cells are associated with longer duration of disease.
•Reduced percentatges of Treg cells are associated with longer duration of disease.

Neuroimmune Day Conference Videos
July 20, 2019
Neuroimmune Day Conference Videos

A Neuroimmune Approach to Complex Patients July 20, 2019 National Jewish Health – Denver, CO Dr. Stacey Clardy- Navigating Care: A Guide for Patients and Families with Autoimmune Neurologic...

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