COLLABORATE El Meu Clínic .This link opens in a new tab.
COLLABORATE El Meu Clínic .This link opens in a new tab.
Make a donation
Navigation thread
Navigation thread
Pathogenesis of autoimmune neuronal disorders
Make a donation

Research lines

  • Syndromes and mechanisms of paraneoplastic and autoimmune encephalitides

    Directed by Josep Dalmau

    Our research focuses on the discovery and characterization of autoimmune neurological diseases, particularly those mediated by antibodies targeting neuronal cell surface proteins or synaptic receptors. These disorders may be triggered by tumors, infections, or genetic factors. Our work spans a broad range of approaches, including bedside characterization of clinical syndromes; identification of novel antibodies and their target autoantigens; and investigation of disease mechanisms at the behavioral, synaptic, and neuronal circuit levels. To achieve this, we employ a wide array of molecular and electrophysiological techniques in cultured neurons and animal models. 

    Using these strategies, our group has identified 12 forms of autoimmune encephalitis, including, among others, anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. These discoveries have contributed to the development of diagnostic and treatment guidelines for autoimmune encephalitis, and have advanced new concepts on how autoimmunity affects synaptic function, memory, and behavior. 

  • Autoantibody-driven neurodegeneration and demyelination

    Directed by Lidia Sabater

    Our research focuses on how pathogenic autoantibodies drive neurodegenerative and demyelinating disorders, including anti-IgLON5 disease, multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, and MOG-associated disease. It integrates antibody discovery, mechanistic studies, biomarker identification, and clinical and epidemiological research, aiming to improve diagnosis, refine prognosis, and support the development of more precise and personalized therapeutic strategies for patients. 

  • Translational research in pediatric neuroimmunology

    Directed by Thaís Armangue

    This research focuses on autoimmune and inflammatory neurological diseases in children, identifying novel antigens in autoimmune encephalitis and demyelinating diseases, characterizing syndromes, and developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Through multicenter translational studies, key discoveries include NMDAR antibodies and immune mechanisms in post–herpes simplex encephalitis, new phenotypes in MOGAD, and novel tumor and antibody associations in opsoclonus–myoclonus syndrome.