Overview

Paraneoplastic and autoimmune encephalitis with autoantibodies to intracellular or neuronal surface proteins induce characteristic clinical syndromes such as limbic, multifocal or diffuse encephalitis. While classic paraneoplastic syndromes most likely result from a T cell response and intracellular antibodies are considered as epiphenomenon, there is strong evidence that surface antibodies mediate defective synaptic signalling by interfering with the targeted antigen. In this presentation I will describe different subtypes of autoimmune encephalitis and discuss the underlying mechanisms that lead to synaptic dysfunction and tissue damage. Moreover, I will give an overview on antibody test methods and describe potential pitfalls and limitations. 

Learning objectives

By the end of the session, participants will learn about:

1. The audience should be able to differentiate between autoimmunity associated with intracellular and surface antibodies
2. The audience will get an insight into the broad clinical spectrum of anti-neuronal autoimmune encephalitis and learn that surface autoimmunity is usually associated with good response to immunotherapy
3. The audience will see that onconeuronal and surface antibodies are tested with different assays and learn about limitations and pitfalls.
4. The audience should be aware that diseases associated with glial antibodies such as MOG-antibodies are an important differential diagnosis to anti-neuronal autoimmune encephalitis

Target audience

• Diagnostic Laboratory Directors/Managers/Supervisors/Technicians
• Clinicians
• Immunologists
• Managing Directors/ Department Managers
• Chief Medical Officers/Chief Operating Officers
  

Speaker