Autoimmune neurology is evolving fast, as new antibodies and phenotypes are discovered. In this test-specific episode of the "Answers From the Lab" podcast, Anastasia Zekeridou, M.D., Ph.D., explains how updated testing improves Mayo Clinic Laboratories' screening of patients for three autoimmune neurology biomarkers: AMPA-R, IgLON5, and DPPX.

The AMPA receptor antibody, which is associated with encephalitis, is now known to exist in children and will be included in pediatric evaluations. IgLON5 and DPPX antibodies will be screened with more sensitive and specific cell- binding assays. IgLON5 — now known to be associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-like phenotype — will be added to Mayo Clinic Laboratories' axonal neuropathy evaluation.

"With these changes, patients are going to get relevant, accurate neural antibody testing faster and more efficiently. That's very important because these are treatable diseases," Dr. Zekeridou says.

The ability to provide added value through innovation rests on Mayo Clinic Laboratories' close relationship with clinicians. "We have a lot of clinicians in our laboratory. We also get feedback from our referring colleagues, our patients, and the literature," Dr. Zekeridou says. "It's impossible for clinicians — who often don't have insight into these methodologies — to keep up with all these changes. There needs to be trust in their relationship with the antibody referral lab."

Listen to learn more about Mayo Clinic Laboratories' AMPA-R, IgLON5, and DPPX testing updates.

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Testing

AIAES | Axonal Neuropathy, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Serum

ENC2 | Encephalopathy, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Spinal Fluid

ENS2 | Encephalopathy, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Serum

PCDEC | Pediatric Autoimmune Encephalopathy/CNS Disorder Evaluation, Spinal Fluid

PCDES | Pediatric Autoimmune Encephalopathy/CNS Disorder Evaluation, Serum

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