Identifying new antibody targets in autoimmune encephalitis and related conditions

Autoimmune Encephalitis - Ataxia and Psychiatric Disease: Identifying and Characterizing Novel Antibody Targets

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10783688

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.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10783688 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding autoimmune encephalitis, a condition that can lead to severe neurological symptoms such as ataxia and psychiatric disorders. The team at UCSF is working to identify specific autoantibodies that may be responsible for these conditions, which could help in diagnosing and treating affected patients. By analyzing a cohort of patients with suspected encephalitis, the researchers aim to discover biomarkers that can guide clinical decisions and improve patient outcomes. The study employs a combination of clinical assessments and laboratory techniques to characterize these antibodies and their role in disease mechanisms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with or suspected of having autoimmune encephalitis, particularly those experiencing neurological or psychiatric symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with encephalitis caused by non-autoimmune factors, such as infections or other non-inflammatory conditions, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and targeted treatments for patients suffering from autoimmune encephalitis and related disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has successfully identified autoantibodies in similar conditions, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful advancements in understanding and treating autoimmune encephalitis.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.