Frontiers in Genetics (Sep 2013)

Autoantibodies to neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels: from neuromuscular to neuropsychiatric disorders

  • Pilar eMartinez-Martinez,
  • Peter eMolenaar,
  • Mario eLosen,
  • Jo eStevens,
  • Marc eDe Baets,
  • Andrei eSzoke,
  • Andrei eSzoke,
  • Andrei eSzoke,
  • Jerome eHonnorat,
  • Jerome eHonnorat,
  • Ryad eTamouza,
  • Marion eLeboyer,
  • Marion eLeboyer,
  • Jim evan Os,
  • Bart eRutten

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2013.00181
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4

Abstract

Read online

Changes of voltage-gated ion channels and ligand-gated receptor channels caused by mutation or autoimmune attack are the cause of so-called channelopathies in the central and peripheral nervous system. We present the pathophysiology of channelopathies of the neuromuscular junction in terms of loss-of-function and gain-of-function principles. Autoantibodies generally have reduced access to the CNS, but in some cases this is enough to cause disease. A review is provided of recent findings implicating autoantibodies against ligand–activated receptor channels and potassium channels in psychiatric and neurological disorders, including schizophrenia and limbic encephalitis. The emergence of channelopathy-related neuropsychiatric disorders has implications for research and practice.

Keywords