Anti-glutamate Receptor GluR3B for Diagnosis, Research and Drug Discovery in Epilepsy (Yeda)
A monoclonal antibody against GluR3B, a peptide found in epilepsy patients, and especially in patients suffering from intractable, resistant forms of the disease, could be used in diagnosis kits as well as in drug development for this form of "autoimmune epilepsy".
Scientists from the Weizmann Institute of Science have discovered a unique anti-GluR3B monoclonal antibody Glu149/29/61.
1. Producing a new kit for epilepsy patients, able to detect GluR3b Ab's and thus GluR3-mediated neuropathology
The anti GluR3B monoclonal Ab could be used for developing a new diagnostic kit to detect neuropathogenic human anti-GluR3B in serum and CSF of patients with epilepsy. The patient's GluR3B Ab's would compete and displace the GluR3B mAb's of its ligand: the GluR3B peptide. The presence of GluR3B Ab's in a patient, would indicate that autoimmunity against GluR3 may underlie the patient's neuropathology and a) would suggest the initiation of an immune-based therapy b) prevent useless and dangerous brain surgery c) prevent non-effective medication.
2. Drug design for GluR3-mediated neuropathology
The unique GluR3B monoclonal antibody could be used to screen a potential drug for 'Autoimmune Epilepsy'. The GluR3B monoclonal antibody could be used to screen for a molecule (i.e. Anti-idiotypic antibodies) that would block the GluR3 autoantibodies and their detrimental neuropathological effects.
3. Research tool for a kaleidoscope of purposes, including:
Detection of the GluR3 glutamate receptor subtype on various target cells.
Studies of the properties of the Glutamate/AMPA receptor subtype 3.
Studies of the Glutamate-liked agonist activity of the GluR3B monoclonal antibody, and of the GluR3 receptor ion channel gating properties.
Production of an animal model of 'Autoimmune Epilepsy'.
Studies of neuronal death caused by binding of the GluR3 autoantibody to glutamate/AMPA receptors.
Studies of behavioral impairments caused by binding of the GluR3 autoantibody to glutamate/AMPA receptors.
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