Abstract
Antibodies to the surface (membrane and synaptic) antigens of central nervous system are directly pathogenic antibodies that disrupt receptor and ion channel functions, and can even cause nerve cell death. These antibodies are most commonly linked with the anti-NMDAR and limbic encephalitis syndrome, but due to the damage of the central nervous system, they can also cause a wide variety of phenotypically differing symptoms.
A positive finding of these antibodies may confirm the diagnosis of autoimmune affection of the nervous system. This detection is essential for the patient prognosis, because of an often positive outcome of immunotherapy.
However, if the clinical picture does not respond to autoimmune encephalitis it is necessary to avoid relying only on the positivity of these antibodies. This article offers a summary of the most common syndromes and symptoms and current possibilities of antibody detection.
Further, we present our experience with detection of NSAbs in the Cerebrospinal Fluid Laboratory of the Institute of Immunology and Neurology Clinic 2nd Medical Faculty of the Charles University and the Motol University Hospital.