Cell-free DNA integrity and complement C4d as novel liquid biopsy biomarkers for paraneoplastic and non-paraneoplastic autoimmune encephalitis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neuronal injury in autoimmune encephalitis (AE) may involve antibodies or T cells, with or without complement activation. Cell-free DNA (cf-DNA), released during cell death, and the complement split product C4d may reflect underlying tissue damage and immune activation. This study examines cf-DNA and C4d levels in the CSF and plasma of AE patients, focusing on differences between paraneoplastic and non-paraneoplastic subtypes.

Methods

Thirty patients with AE (including paraneoplastic and non-paraneoplastic cases) and 18 healthy and disease controls were included. Total cf-DNA and cf-DNA integrity (cfDI), defined as the ALU-247/ALU-115 ratio, were measured in the CSF and plasma using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Interleukins IL-6 and IL-17A and th

SUBMITTER: Vakrakou AG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12484147 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature