CONTEXT

Recently evidence for autoimmunity towards ion channels in central nervous system disorders has emerged. These disorders include Morvan’s syndrome, Rasmussen’s encephalitis, limbic encephalitis, multiple sclerosis, etc… Detection of such autoantibodies is useful for the  diagnosis and classification of these diseases.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

This invention provides a unique method for detection of autoantibodies directed against membrane proteins. Anti-ion channel antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients are detected by using an ion channel macroarray. As a diagnostic tool, the method can be used to detect antibodies directed against specific targets. The method can also be used to identify new ion channel targets in patients that are not positive for antibodies directed against targets already known.

BENEFITS

This method has important advantages over current methods that are based on:
– Easier and cheaper
– Not restricted to targets already described

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

This innovation could be used for multiple applications as:
– Diagnosis and prognosis of autoimmune diseases
– Screening / Identification of new antigenic targets

DEVELOPMENT STAGE

Accomplished tests: Prototype available. The method has been validated using CSF from patients suffering of encephalitis with anti-NMDA receptor antibodies. 43 patients, 17 of them with anti-NMDAR antibodies detected by immunocytochemistry, were tested. 88% of the positive patients (15/17) were detected using the new method. The specifity for negative patients is 100%.

Current developments: detection of new targets in autoimmune disorders associated with hyperexcitability.

Prototype available

For further information, please contact us (Ref 04731-01)