1. Neuroimmunology-Munich
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  3. Mader Lab  – CNS-reactive antibodies

Mader Lab  – CNS-reactive antibodies

  • main image lab Mader

    Our Aim

    There is an increasing awareness of the contribution of CNS-reactive antibodies in different neurological diseases. These antibodies penetrate brain tissue upon blood brain barrier breach or early in development. Antibodies can bind to different extracellular or intracellular antigens and their contribution to tissue injury is often unclear. We aim to characterize novel CNS-reactive antibodies in different autoimmune diseases and analyze the mechanisms of autoantibody-mediated impairment of neuronal or glial cell function. Our studies provide important insights for biomarker discovery and for future therapeutic applications to prevent the pathogenic effects of CNS-reactive autoantibodies.

    Our Approach

    We aim to identify novel autoantibodies and study the mechanism by which CNS-reactive autoantibodies can lead to brain damage. Therefore, we are generating human monoclonal antibodies from CSF cells and/or from circulating autoreactive B cells that recognize brain antigen(s) (Molecular Psychiatry, 2016). We apply different methods such as single cell sorting and sequencing, immunohistochemistry of brain tissue, confocal laser scanning microscopy, cell based assays, immunoprecipitation and live neuronal cell cultures.

    Some of our current projects

    CNS-reactive antibodies and B cell responses in Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. 

    Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are inflammatory disorders, which mainly affect the optic nerve and the spinal cord, but can also involve the brain and brainstem. The detection of antibodies (Abs) which target aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in a large group of NMOSD patients gave rise to the concept that NMOSD is distinct from multiple sclerosis. In addition, Abs to MOG have been found in a subgroup of NMOSD patients. There is still a sizeable group of patients with clinical symptoms of NMOSD without identified specific Abs, complicating diagnosis and treatment of patients. We are studying the contribution of autoantibodies and autoreactive B cells to tissue injury. Furthermore, we are investigating an association of treatment effect on circulating autoreactive B cells in NMOSD. We believe that the discovery of CNS-reactive Abs and their target antigen has immense importance for the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of NMOSD.

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