Human neurexin-3α antibodies associate with encephalitis and alter synapse development.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To report a novel autoimmune encephalitis in which the antibodies target neurexin-3α, a cell adhesion molecule involved in the development and function of synapses.

Methods

Five patients with encephalitis and antibodies with a similar pattern of brain reactivity were selected. Antigen precipitation and determination of antibody effects on cultured rat embryonic neurons were performed with reported techniques.

Results

Immunoprecipitation and cell-based assays identified neurexin-3α as the autoantigen of patients' antibodies. All 5 patients (median age 44 years, range 23-50; 4 female) presented with prodromal fever, headache, or gastrointestinal symptoms, followed by confusion, seizures, and decreased level of consciousness. Two developed mild orofacial dyskin

SUBMITTER: Gresa-Arribas N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4909558 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature