Immunopathology and synaptopathy in human brain tissue and novel animal models of LGI1 encephalitis

Autoimmune encephalitis with autoantibodies to neuronal surface proteins induces characteristic clinical syndromes such as limbic or diffuse encephalitis. Antibodies are thought to mediate defective synaptic signalling by interfering with the targeted antigen.

Here, we aim at investigating autoimmune encephalitis associated with LGI1 antibodies compared to other autoantibodies and elucidate the underlying mechanisms leading to hippocampal atrophy and synaptic pathology. Therefore, we will determine immune cell infiltration, effector activation and neuronal pathology in human brain autopsy specimens and in cats affected by feline complex partial seizures with orofacial involvement (FEPSO), which represents a natural animal model of limbic encephalitis with LGI1 antibodies. Our results will help to better understand the pathophysiology in autoimmune encephalitis and may allow us to develop and test novel treatment strategies.

Assoc.Prof. PD Dr. Romana Höftberger