Lay summary
Disorder of the immune response in the brain can cause severe brain inflammation, as seen in anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis; movement disorders and neuropsychiatric symptoms, as seen in Sydenham's chorea; and can adversely affect neurodevelopment. The overall aim of this fellowship is to improve the outcomes of children affected by an abnormal immune response in the brain. Firstly, we will study the immune response in anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis to identify potential treatment targets in innate NK and T cell pathways and viral exposures which may increase risk for this disease. Secondly, we will determine whether an early three-day course of high dose steroids is a safe and effective treatment to reduce the movement disorder and neuropsychiatric symptoms evident in Sydneham's chorea. Finally, we will investigate whether autoimmune activation of a mother's immune system during pregnancy affects the neurodevelopmental profiles of children and identify avenues for prevention and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders.