Exploring the Role of AIRE in Autoimmune Neurological Diseases

Analysis of the Role of AIRE in Autoimmune Neurological Diseases Associated With Autoantibodies

Observational Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS · NCT06941584

This study is trying to see how the AIRE gene affects people with autoimmune neurological diseases like NMOSD, myasthenia gravis, and autoimmune encephalitis to improve diagnosis and treatment options.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS Academic / other
Locations1 site (Roma)
Trial IDNCT06941584 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the genetic predisposition linked to autoimmune neurological diseases, focusing on the AIRE gene's role in conditions such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), myasthenia gravis (MG), and autoimmune encephalitis. The study aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and explore new treatment possibilities by analyzing the presence of specific autoantibodies and genetic mutations. Participants will undergo testing for various autoantibodies and AIRE gene sequencing to better understand the mechanisms behind these diseases.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults diagnosed with NMOSD, myasthenia gravis, or autoimmune encephalitis who also have specific autoantibodies and additional autoimmune comorbidities.

Not a fit: Patients with untreated thymoma or a history of thymoma may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic methods and targeted therapies for patients with autoimmune neurological diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of genetic factors in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

For the first cohort, the inclusion criteria were:

* Patients diagnosed with NMOSD associated with AQP4 autoantibodies who meet the 2015 diagnostic criteria and have at least one of the listed autoimmune comorbidities.
* Patients diagnosed with myasthenia gravis associated with AChR autoantibodies who also have another autoimmune comorbidity from the list.
* Patients diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis who are positive for LGI1 and CASPR2 autoantibodies and have at least one additional autoimmune comorbidity.

The second cohort included adults with dominant pathogenic AIRE mutations or homozygous AIRE mutations.

Exclusion Criteria:

The presence of untreated thymoma or a history of thymoma.

Where this trial is running

Roma

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions AIRE DeficiencyAIRE gene mutationMyasthenia gravisNeuromyelitis Optica Spectrum DisorderAcquired neuromyotoniaAutoimmune encephalitisThymic central toleranceHLA haplotype
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.