Methodology for identification of new target molecules in neuroimmunological disorders

Autoantibodies have been identified as key players in several neuroimmunological disorders such as autoimmune encephalitis, CNS demyelinating diseases, neuropathies, and neuromuscular junction disorders. Recent advances of proteomic technologies enable scientists to determine the target protein of autoantibodies. These methods are divided into three categories, namely, (1) mass spectrometry (MS)-based method, (2) gene expression library screening, and (3) protein microarray. MS-based methods can analyze posttranslationally modified proteins or conformational proteins, while gene expression library screening cannot. However, in MS-based methods, protein-abundant bias could prevent the identification of the target protein, and DNA sequencing could be more easily performed than MS-based methods. Therefore, a sound knowledge of the advantages and limitations of each technique is required for selection of the optimal methodology for antigen identification in neuroimmunological disorders.