Understanding how 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-10811827 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $173,505 |
| NIH project number | 3K08NS114039-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10811827 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis who have detectable anti-NMDA receptor antibodies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurological disorders not related 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 cell surface proteins in autoimmune encephalitis, a condition that affects brain function. By using advanced techniques such as proteomics and live cell microscopy, the study aims to uncover how these antibodies disrupt signaling pathways and calcium mobilization in the brain. The ultimate goal is to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment options for patients suffering from this neurological disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve outcomes for patients with autoimmune encephalitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of antibodies 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
How human antibodies affect brain signaling in autoimmune encephalitis
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.
-
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.
-
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.