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Identifying the immunogenic epitopes implicated in Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis


EMSL Project ID
51316

Abstract

NMDA receptors are a member of the ionotropic glutamate receptor family, responsible for transmission of the main component of the fast excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies are generated that target this receptor, leading to the internalization and removal of the NMDA receptor from neuronal membranes. Thy symptoms of this disorder include psychosis, agitation, seizures, and ultimately death if the disorder is left untreated. Here we propose to use antibodies from mice with anti-NMDAR encephalitis to elucidate the epitopes that are targeted by the immune system. Mapping the most antigenic NMDAR epitopes is essential for understanding the progression of anti-NMDAR encephalitis, and is the first step in developing targeted therapeutics designed to block those epitopes.

Project Details

Start Date
2020-05-05
End Date
2021-03-17
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Eric Gouaux
Institution
Oregon Health & Science University

Co-Investigator(s)

Gary Westbrook
Institution
Oregon Health & Science University

Team Members

Heidi Owen
Institution
Oregon Health & Science University

Farzad Jalali-Yazdi
Institution
Oregon Health & Science University

Janette Myers
Institution
Oregon Health & Science University