Research Categories: Immunological Research

In pediatric OCD, movement disorders, and PANDAS…”differences were found when comparing cytokines in periods of exacerbation with periods of remission of symptoms in study participants. The cytokines that most studies with healthy control groups found to be significantly altered were TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-17…Further research into the implications of inflammatory processes is warranted.” https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fped.2022.893815/full?fbclid=IwAR2wkMubBz0wtbu5hv35922qL1W5gn2-urhmSIswsJqkAnWcYFRly68irbM&mibextid=us0yfe

Results: Our study included 204 patients: mean age of PANS onset was 8.6 years, male sex (60%), non-Hispanic White (78%). Evidence of POTS was observed in 19/204 patients (9%) with 5/19 having persistent POTS defined as persistent abnormal orthostatic vitals, persistent POTS symptoms, and/or continued need for pharmacotherapy for POTS symptoms for at least 6 months).… Continue reading Children with PANS May Manifest Vascular and Fatigue Issues (aka POTS)

The results of the present study suggest unique plasma metabolite profiles in PANS patients, significantly differing from healthy children, showing abnormal levels of metabolites associated with neurotransmission (tryptophan, glycine, histamine/histidine) and generalized energy deficiency, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation (glutamine, 2-Hydroxybutyrate and, potentially, the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway). Overall, the evidence provided by the present study is consistent with… Continue reading PANS:  Inflammation Significant in Metabolomic Characterization of Children

Caregivers reported a decreasing frequency of symptoms over time regardless of treatment and had no difference in satisfaction. T&A was the most preferred treatment and the most impactful on symptoms for surgical patients. Given the challenges of immunologic therapies, T&A in combination with antibiotics should be considered as an early intervention for PANDAS. Role of… Continue reading Role of Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy in Parental Satisfaction of Treatments for PANDAS

A study from Clinical & Translative Immunology highlights the significance of immune dysregulation in pediatric psychiatric and movement disorders. Even though brain inflammatory processes are a hallmark of PANDAS/PANS – and have been furthermore linked to an autoimmune response in the absence of external antibodies, in which someone’s innate immune system mistakenly attacks their own… Continue reading Dopamine-2-Receptor-Specific T Cells in Pediatric Psychiatric and Movement Disorders

Autoantibodies in Basal Ganglia Encephalitis, Sydenham Chorea and PANDAS The Cunningham study sought to identify the role of anti-neuronal biomarkers (used as a group) to confirm acute disease in Sydenham Chorea (SC) and PANDAS. In doing so, the investigators attempted to further explain the disease mechanism contributing to SC and PANDAS. Participants were tested for … Continue reading Autoantibody Biomarkers for Autoimmune Encephalitis in Sydenham Chorea and PANDAS

How Group A strep can evade the immune system surveillance Each year 500,000 people die worldwide from Group A strep. Much of how group A strep manages to outsmart the body’s defenses remains mysterious.  A newly recognized protein, S-protein, was discovered that allows the bacteria to “mimic” red blood cells and avoid surveillance by the… Continue reading Group A Strep S Protein Utilizes Red Blood Cells as Immune Camouflage and Is a Critical Determinant for Immune Invasion

How autoantibodies circumvent the blood-brain barrier in autoimmune encephalitis Autoimmune Encephalitis creates problems with neurological and psychiatric function. The role of virus, bacteria and tumor creating AE onset has been identified but the immune mechanisms are not well understood.  The role of Group A strep in animal models of post-infectious basal ganglia encephalitis is newly… Continue reading Hello from the Other Side: How Autoantibodies Circumvent the Blood-Brain Barrier in Autoimmune Encephalitis