Immunotherapy for Refractory Autoimmune Encephalitis

作者：Jia‐Wei Yang, Xueyan Liu · 发表于：Frontiers in Immunology · 年份：2021 · DOI：10.3389/fimmu.2021.790962 · 被引用次数：56 · 研究领域：Autoimmune Neurological Disorders and Treatments、Peripheral Neuropathies and Disorders、Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Research

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is an immune-mediated disease involving the central nervous system, usually caused by antigen-antibody reactions. With the advent of autoantibody-associated diseases, AE has become a hot research frontier in neuroimmunology. The first-line conventional treatments of autoimmune encephalitis consist of steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), plasma exchange (PLEX), and second-line therapy includes rituximab. Despite considerable research and expanding clinical experience, current treatments are still ineffective for a significant number of patients. Although there is no clear consensus, clinical trial evidence limited, and the level of evidence for some of the drugs based on single reports, third-line therapy is a viable alternative for refractory encephalitis patients. With the current rapid research progress, a breakthrough in the treatment of AE is critical. This article aims to review the third-line therapy for refractory AE.