Antibody-related central nervous system autoimmune diseases: exploration and challenge

Abstract

Antibody-related central nervous system (CNS) autoimmune diseases are a frontier of neuroimmunology. CNS viral infections including herpes simplex encephalitis and Japanese encephalitis can induce anti-N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor encephalitis with a double-peak presentation. Pathogenic antibody is the specific diagnostic biomarker which renders the establishment of new autoimmune entities. However, the pathogenicity and clinical relevance of some new antibodies need further evaluation. The challenge from cases with overlapping antibodies or antibody-negative limbic encephalitis can be solved with the reference to the diagnostic criteria and recommendation. Key words: Autoimmune diseases of the nervous system; Encephalitis; Central nervous system; Autoantibodies; Receptors, N-methyl-D-aspartate