The immunology underlying CNS autoantibody diseases

Abstract

The past two decades have seen a considerable paradigm shift in the way autoimmune CNS disorders are considered, diagnosed, and treated; largely due to the discovery of novel autoantibodies directed at neuroglial surface or intracellular targets. This approach has enabled multiple bona fide CNS autoantibody-associated diseases to thoroughly infiltrate the sphere of clinical neurology, facilitating advances in patient outcomes. This review focusses on the fundamental immunological concepts behind CNS autoantibody-associated diseases. First, we briefly review the broad phenotypic profiles of these conditions. Next, we explore concepts around immune checkpoints and the related B cell lineage. Thirdly, the sources of autoantibody production are discussed alongside triggers of tolerance failure, including neoplasms, infections and iatrogenic therapies. Penultimately, the role of T cells and leucocyte trafficking into the CNS are reviewed. Finally, biological insights from responses to targeted immunotherapies in different CNS autoantibody-associated diseases are summarised. The continued and rapid expansion of the CNS autoantibody-associated field holds promise for further improved diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms, ultimately leading to further improvements in patient outcomes.