Pro- and anti-inflammatory response in neurological disorders associated to anti-glutamate decarboxylase antibodies

Rare conditions showing psychiatric symptoms and movement disorders have been linked with the presence of anti-glutamate decarboxylase antibodies. Proinflammatory and antiinflammatory immune responses were assessed in patients with neurological disorders associated to anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies (NDGAD). Immunoregulatory and proinflammatory cell populations were quantified by flow cytometry. No polarization toward Th1, Th2, or Th17 phenotypes was observed in NDGAD patients. Immunoregulatory responses were significantly reduced for Breg, activated Treg, Tr1, and Th3 cells, suggesting a deficient regulatory response, while intermediate monocyte levels were increased. The reduced levels of regulatory T and B cells suggest an impairment in regulatory immune response, while intermediate monocytes could be playing a role in the increased proinflammatory response. [Display omitted] •Patients with neurological disorders associated with anti-GAD antibodies were studied.•An immunosuppressive deficit was found in patients with neurological disorders associated with anti-GAD antibodies.•Monocyte subpopulations could be impacting the immune response in these patients.