In a condition known as “IgLON5 encephalitis”, the immune system mistakenly attacks cells in the brain. This leads to brain inflammation and neuronal damage, which can manifest as sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment, and movement disorders. Researchers at DZNE and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin have now identified fundamental mechanisms underlying this rare but severe neurodegenerative disease. Their findings, based on applying antibodies from affected individuals in neuronal cell cultures and mice, have been published in the journal “Science Advances”.