31 March 2026

Research project ‘Identifying new pathogenic antibodies leading to autoimmune encephalitis’ successfully completed

Team Human Tech, in collaboration with Erasmus MC and under the supervision of Dr Oliver Harschnitz, has created a new model of human brain cells from the cerebral cortex to better understand what happens in autoimmune encephalitis and to test antibodies from patients.

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A major breakthrough is the discovery of a new antibody, the SEZ6L2 antibody, among patients without a previous diagnosis. This helps to recognise the disease better and more quickly. The model also offers opportunities to investigate how the disease works and to develop new treatments.
In this way, this research brings us closer to targeted care and greater hope for patients.

The research was made possible by the ItsME Foundation.

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