Abstract
The recent demonstration of pathogenic immune mechanisms and autoantibodies in some
patients with acute encephalopathy has raised interest in the identification of autoimmunity
as a treatable cause of encephalitis. Especially in children, autoimmune encephalitis
can be triggered by a preceding viral infection (e.g., anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor
encephalitis post-herpes simplex encephalitis) or by some acquired or genetic disorders
that predispose to brain autoimmunity (e.g., hematopoietic cell transplant, CLTA4
deficiency). This review discusses recent advances in pediatric autoimmune encephalitis,
including new insights into immune mechanisms and biomarkers in disorders proven or
suspected to be autoimmune.
Keywords
autoimmune encephalitis - herpes simplex encephalitis - antibodies
