Immunogenetic Characteristics in Autoimmune Encephalitis and Related Disorders: HLA Analysis

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) are characterized by subacute onset of memory deficits, altered mental status or psychiatric symptoms, frequently associated with seizures, inflammatory cerebrospinal fluid and in cases with prominent limbic involvement, typical magnetic resonance imaging. Several autoantibodies (Ab) may be detected in AE, although its detection is not mandatory to establish a diagnosis. These Ab mainly recognize different synaptic and cell-surface proteins in the central nervous system, and are thought to be pathogenic as they alter the normal location or function of its antigens.

The primary trigger of the immune response is unknown for most of AE. In addition to acquired susceptibility, genetic predisposition may also be important in the pathogenesis of AE. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) is the genetic factor most frequently associated with autoimmune diseases, due to its genetic complexity and key role in the adaptive immune response. The aim of the study is to describe HLA profile in three groups of autoimmune encephalitis and related disorders: anti-LGI1, anti-CASPR2 and anti-GAD neurological diseases.