AUTHOR=Qiao Shan , Sun Quan-ye , Zhou Peng , Zhang Shan-chao , Wang Zhi-hao , Li Hai-yun , Wang Ai-hua , Liu Xue-wu , Xin Tao 

TITLE=Increased formation of neutrophil extracellular traps in patients with anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology

VOLUME=13

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2022.1046778

DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2022.1046778

ISSN=1664-3224

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Background</title><p>Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been found to play an important role in several nervous system diseases. However, their role in anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the possible role of NETs in anti-NMDAR encephalitis.</p></sec><sec><title>Materials and methods</title><p>Eleven patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis and ten healthy participants were enrolled. Plasma NETs levels were detected using an immunofluorescence assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, we examined 10 plasma cytokines in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis and analyzed the correlation between citrullinated histone 3 levels and cytokine release. </p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>Peripheral blood neutrophils from patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis were more susceptible to NET generation. When compared with controls, cases of anti-NMDAR encephalitis showed elevated levels of IL-1 α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, MCP-1, and TNF-α (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels were positively correlated with H3Cit levels.</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title><p>We provide evidence that NETs may play a role in anti-NMDAR encephalitis, providing clues for elucidation of the pathogenesis of this disease.</p></sec>