Pathogenic human autoantibodies against NMDA receptor alter dendritic spine size.

ABSTRACT: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis (NMDARE) is an autoimmune neurological disorder associated with anti-NMDAR antibodies (NMDAR-Ab), leading to synaptic dysfunction. While the effect of NMDAR-Ab on receptor internalization is well documented, its effect on dendritic protrusion morphology remains unclear. To investigate how NMDAR-Ab alters dendritic protrusion size and the associated molecular mechanisms using patient-derived sera. Cultured hippocampal neurons were treated with sera from patients with NMDARE. Protrusion size and the phosphorylation of cofilin, a regulator of actin dynamics, were also assessed. Exposure to NMDAR-Ab significantly decreased dendritic protrusion width and length while increasing protrusion density. Mechanistically, NMDAR-Ab decreased c

SUBMITTER: Matsuda S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12852928 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature