Biomarkers for epileptogenesis in patients with autoimmune epilepsy

Autoimmune epilepsy (AE) is a general term to describe recurrent seizures that have an immune-mediated origin. It is increasingly being recognized as a cause of epilepsy due to accumulating evidence supporting an immune-mediated pathogenesis in patients who have shown resistance to traditional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The diagnosis of AE is one of the exclusions. Currently, there are no strict diagnostic guidelines for AE, and it is similarly under-recognized. The importance of early diagnosis of AE cannot be overstated, as prompt immunotherapy is important for seizure reduction. Further investigations into potential biomarkers are needed for early detection of AE and include targeted immunotherapies in combination with AEDs. The goal of this review was to provide an overview of the following biomarkers that have been associated with AE: AMPAR, LGl1, CASPR2, DPPX, GABAAR, GABABR, GFAP, GlyR, mGluR5, NMDAR, VGCC (P/Q types), amphiphysin, ANNA-1, CRMP-5, GAD65, and Ma1/Ma2 antibodies