title: GAD65 epitope mapping and search for novel autoantibodies in GAD-associated neurological disorders.
abstract: Antibodies against Glutamic-acid-decarboxylase (GAD65) are seen in various CNS excitability disorders including stiff-person syndrome, cerebellar ataxia, encephalitis and epilepsy. To explore pathogenicity, we examined whether distinct epitope specificities or other co-existing antibodies may account for each disorder. The epitope recognized by all 27 tested patients, irrespective of clinical phenotype, corresponded to the catalytic core of GAD. No autoantibodies against known GABAergic antigens were found. In a screen for novel specificities using live hippocampal neurons, three epilepsy patients, but no other, were positive. We conclude that no GAD-specific epitope defines any neurological syndrome but other antibody specificities may account for certain phenotypes.
authors: Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Greece.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Fouka
authors: Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Alexopoulos
authors: Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Akrivou
authors: Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Greece.
authors: O
authors: O
authors: Trohatou
authors: Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Greece.
authors: P K
authors: PK
authors: Politis
authors: Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece. Electronic address: mdalakas@med.uoa.gr.
authors: M C
authors: MC
authors: Dalakas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018604:Epitope Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D005968:Glutamate Decarboxylase / Q000097:blood*; D057809:HEK293 Cells; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D005968:Glutamate Decarboxylase; C401141:glutamate decarboxylase 2
keywords: Anti-GAD antibodies; Autoimmunity; Epilepsy; GABA; Stiff person syndrome; Synapse