How human antibodies affect brain signaling in autoimmune encephalitis
Official title: Impact of human anti-NMDA receptor antibodies on glutamate receptor signaling, calcium mobilization, and hippocampal neuronal circuits in autoimmune encephalitis
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10674739 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain antibodies in the body affect brain function in people with autoimmune encephalitis, with the hope of finding new ways to help improve treatments for those dealing with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $191,250 |
| NIH project number | 5K08NS114039-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10674739 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis or those exhibiting symptoms related to this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological conditions unrelated to autoimmune encephalitis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of human antibodies that bind to neuronal proteins in autoimmune encephalitis, a condition that affects brain function. By studying how these antibodies influence glutamate receptor signaling and calcium mobilization in brain circuits, the research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of the disease. The approach includes advanced techniques such as proteomics and live cell microscopy to observe these interactions in real-time. The ultimate goal is to identify new therapeutic targets that could lead to better treatments for patients suffering from neurological diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel therapies for autoimmune encephalitis and related neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding autoimmune mechanisms in neurological diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Benavides, David Roger — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Benavides, David Roger
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Identifying MRI markers of thinking problems in autoimmune brain inflammation
A small study will look for MRI signs that relate to memory problems in people with autoimmune limbic encephalitis.
-
Autoimmune Encephalitis: finding new antibody targets to understand brain inflammation
Researchers are studying people and animal models to discover new antibodies linked to autoimmune brain inflammation and what they mean for diagnosis and treatment.
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Understanding how antibodies affect brain signaling in autoimmune encephalitis
This study is looking at how certain antibodies in the body can affect brain function in people with autoimmune encephalitis, with the hope of finding new ways to help improve treatments for those living with this condition.
-
Identifying new antibody targets in autoimmune encephalitis and related conditions
This study is looking at autoimmune encephalitis to find specific markers in the blood that could help doctors diagnose and treat patients better, especially those experiencing serious neurological and psychiatric symptoms.
-
Pregnant Women with Neuroimmune Diseases: A long-term follow-up study
This study follows women with neuroimmune diseases and healthy controls through pregnancy and up to ten years to see how pregnancy affects disease activity and outcomes for both mother and baby.
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Identifying new autoantibodies and causes of autoimmune encephalitis
This project looks for new autoantibodies and other disease features in adults with autoimmune encephalitis to help improve diagnosis and care.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.