How antibodies attack the brain and muddle memory
In mice, these immune molecules gone awry target a key message-sensing protein on nerve cells
ATTACK OF THE ANTIBODIES This scanning electron micrograph shows a close-up of brain nerve cells. Antibodies that target nerve cell connections may interfere with vital brain functions such as memory.
Ted Kinsman/Science Source
Antibodies in the brain can scramble nerve cells’ connections, leading to memory problems in mice.