Neuronal Surface Autoantibodies in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Are There Implications for Depression?

Abstract

Autoimmune diseases are affecting around 7.6–9.4% of the general population. A number of central nervous system disorders, including encephalitis and severe psychiatric disorders, have been demonstrated to associate with specific neuronal surface autoantibodies (NSAbs). It has become clear that specific autoantibodies targeting neuronal surface antigens and ion channels could cause severe mental disturbances. A number of studies have focused or are currently investigating the presence of autoantibodies in specific mental conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. However, less is known about other conditions such as depression. Depression is a psychiatric disorder with complex etiology and pathogenesis. The diagnosis criteria of depression are largely based on symptoms but not on the origin of the disease. The question which arises is whether in a subgroup of patients with depression, the symptoms might be caused by autoantibodies targeting membrane-associated antigens. Here, we describe how autoantibodies targeting membrane proteins and ion channels cause pathological effects. We discuss the physiology of these antigens and their role in relation to depression. Finally, we summarize a number of studies detecting NSAbs with a special focus on cohorts that include depression diagnosis and/or show depressive symptoms.

Editorial: Autoantibodies

“…Within this article collection, the role of autoantibodies in “classical” neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's Disease, is discussed (Jiang et al). This finding contributes to the current observations that autoantibodies to specific neuronal surface antigens are detected in a number of neuropsychiatric disorders (14). Functional validation of these autoantibodies would change the landscape of treatment for a number of neuropsychiatric diseases.…”

DNA hydrolysing IgG catalytic antibodies: an emerging link between psychoses and autoimmunity

“…Intriguingly, the occurrence of IgG Aabs against neurotransmitter receptors and other macromolecules (DNA, brain lipids, gangliosides, and cardiolipin) has been described in a proportion of SCZ and BPD patients 13 , 14 . Particularly, IgG Aabs against neuronal receptors like N-methyl- d -aspartate receptor (NMDAR), γ-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABAR), and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) have been observed during the psychotic crisis 15 , 16 . Also, a systematic study by Pearlman and Najjar revealed a high prevalence of anti-NMDAR IgG Abs in SCZ patients and to a lesser extent in BPD patients 17 .…”

Novel neuronal surface autoantibodies in plasma of patients with depression and anxiety

“…Neurotransmitter transporters and receptors are clearly implicated in the pathology of depression and anxiety and they are targeted therapeutically with anti-depressant drugs 13 , 14 . Thus, there is a good reason to consider the possibility that certain NSAbs may constitute one of the putative causes of depression and anxiety 15 – 17 .…”