Expanding Research in Autoimmune Encephalitis: Divyanshu Dubey, MBBS

"The number of these highly specific antibodies is likely to continue to increase over time. We’re also realizing the limitations of some of these antibodies.”

Autoimmune encephalitis is a type of brain inflammation where the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells or tissues in the brain or spinal cord. This rare, complex disease can be diagnosed through a team of rheumatologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, and/or other specialists, and may include a lumbar puncture to evaluate the cerebral spinal fluid if the condition is suspected.

Corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive medications are typically used to control the inflammation in the brain. Despite these options, there remains about 40% to 50% of autoimmune encephalitis cases that are not revealed through biomarkers, according to Divyanshu Dubey, MBBS.

Dubey, an assistant professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic, recently presented an invited talk at ACTRIMS Forum 2021, February 25–27, about autoimmune encephalitis. In this interview, he detailed the greatest unmet needs in treating this disease, and the steps necessary to better controlling it.

For more coverage of ACTRIMS 2021, click here.