Biological mechanism of psychiatric symptoms associated with Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Encephalitis.

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K19740
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Psychiatric science
• Research Institution: Yokohama City University
• Principal Investigator: Suda Akira 横浜市立大学, 医学部, 助教 (60644656)
• Research Collaborator: HIAYASU Yoshio ; KATSUSE Omi ; KISHIDA Ikuko ; SAITO Tomoyuki ; MIYAUCHI Masatoshi ; HATTORI Saki ; ABE Kie
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 器質性精神障害 / NMDA受容体抗体陽性脳炎 / 自己免疫性脳炎 / 自己免疫疾患

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We tried to elucidate the biomarkers that affect the severity and differences in the mental symptoms of patients with anti-N-methyl-d-asparatic acid (NMDA) receptor encephalitis. As a result,significant association was found between serum antibody titer and cognitive function in NMDA receptor antibody positive patients. In addition, cerebrospinal fluid antibody titer and cognitive function are associated in general psychiatric patients. Although we could not find a genetic marker for differentiating general mental disease patients and NMDA receptor antibody encephalitis patients, we will ccontinue to cllect samples and performe a comprehensive genetic reserch with a larger number of subjects.

Free Research Field

精神医学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

抗NMDA受容体抗体陽性脳炎患者でしばしば精神症状が生じる原因に、NMDA受容体抗体が関与している可能性が示された。難治性の精神疾患と考えられていた患者の一部は抗NMDA受容体抗体陽性脳炎患者が含まれる可能性があることから、そのような患者には免疫学的な治療が有効である可能性が示唆されるとともに、今後、NMDA受容体抗体患者をモデルとした研究を進めることは、精神疾患の症状発現メカニズムを解明する端緒となりうると考えられた。