Autoantibodies and clinical syndrome are key to differentiating autoimmune encephalitis from other HSE complications.
Autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) can be a postinfectious complication of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE; NEJM JW Neurol Aug 22 2018 and Lancet Neurol 2018; 17:760). To determine genetic and immunologic contributors, investigators prospectively studied 190 patients, including 93 patients at HSE onset (Cohort A) and 97 patients at AIE onset (Cohort B). Interferon (IFN) blood signatures were determined from 28 IFN-response genes.
Cerebrospinal fluid autoantibodies were detected in 42% from Cohort A, and 54% of those developed AIE. Median onset of AIE was 39 days after HSE onset; many were detected at day 21. Those that developed AIE were significantly less likely to carry the HLA-A*02 allele (19% vs. 65%). Risk was higher with higher IFN blood s…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory BoardAlexion Pharmaceuticals; Amgen; Astoria; Biogen; Bristol Myers Squibb; Celltrion; Genentech; Hoffmann-La Roche; Genzyme; EMD Serono; Immpact-Bio; Immunic Therapeutics; Kyverna; Lundbeck; Novartis; Sandoz; TG Therapeutics
Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; U.S. Department of Defense
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesConsortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (Treasurer)
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory BoardAlexion Pharmaceuticals; Amgen; Astoria; Biogen; Bristol Myers Squibb; Celltrion; Genentech; Hoffmann-La Roche; Genzyme; EMD Serono; Immpact-Bio; Immunic Therapeutics; Kyverna; Lundbeck; Novartis; Sandoz; TG Therapeutics
Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; U.S. Department of Defense
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesConsortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (Treasurer)