26 Jun 2026
Researchers around Edgar Meinl and Simone Mader have identified a new type of harmful antibody that may cause cerebellar ataxia, a neurological disorder that affects balance, coordination and movement.
In this international study, scientists discovered that some patients with cerebellar ataxia produce antibodies that target synaptophysin, a protein found in nerve cell connections. The team identified these antibodies using a combination of techniques and samples from patients.
Synaptophysin is expressed throughout the central nervous system, but highly enriched in specific structures in the cerebellum, called glomeruli. The team found that antibodies against synaptophysin can disrupt the normal function of neurons. When nerve cells were exposed to these antibodies, their activity decreased and the synaptophysin protein became misplaced within the cells. These changes indicate that the antibodies directly interfere with communication between neurons.
The discovery provides new insight into how immune system attacks can damage the brain and cause neurological disease. It also allows doctors to identify and better classify a subgroup of patients with cerebellar ataxia. Future studies will investigate whether patients with anti-synaptophysin antibodies share distinct clinical features and could benefit from targeted treatments.
The findings reveal a previously unrecognised mechanism by which autoantibodies can disrupt communication between nerve cells and contribute to neurological disease.
Publication: Ho S et al.: Synaptophysin autoantibodies mediate synaptic dysfunction in cerebellar ataxia. Cell Reports Medicine, May 2026