Neuroimmunology Explained: When the Immune System Targets the Brain MTA
A clinician-friendly introduction to autoimmune neurological disorders and modern therapies

About this book:

*Neuroimmunology Explained* provides a comprehensive clinical guide to diagnosing and managing autoimmune disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). The book begins by establishing the foundational "dialogue" between the immune system and the brain, detailing the roles of microglia, astrocytes, and the blood-brain barrier. It moves from basic science to practical diagnostics, emphasizing the utility of advanced MRI sequences, PET imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers—such as oligoclonal bands and neurofilament light chain—to distinguish between neuroinflammatory conditions and their infectious or psychiatric mimics.

The core of the text focuses on specific disease states, including Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), and various forms of autoimmune encephalitis. Each section outlines unique pathogenic mechanisms, such as the astrocytopathy driven by Aquaporin-4 antibodies in NMOSD versus the primary demyelination seen in MS and MOGAD. The authors provide structured diagnostic algorithms to help clinicians identify "red flags" and navigate the complexities of antibody testing, particularly for paraneoplastic syndromes where neurological symptoms often precede the discovery of an underlying malignancy.

The book transitions into a detailed review of therapeutics, categorized into acute and long-term strategies. It describes the rapid deployment of high-dose corticosteroids, IVIG, and plasma exchange for stabilizing patients during inflammatory crises. For long-term management, the text evaluates a broad spectrum of therapies, ranging from traditional immunosuppressants like mycophenolate and azathioprine to high-efficacy B-cell depleters and emerging small molecules like BTK inhibitors. Specialized chapters address the unique needs of pediatric populations and the management of pregnancy and family planning in patients with chronic neuroimmunological conditions.

Finally, the text underscores the importance of safety and multidisciplinary collaboration. It provides rigorous protocols for infection screening and vaccination for patients on immunotherapy, highlighting risks such as Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). By integrating clinical case vignettes and decision-making algorithms, the book serves as a practical roadmap for clinicians to provide personalized, evidence-based care in a rapidly evolving field where early intervention is critical to preventing permanent neurological disability.

What You'll Find Inside:

• Core neuroimmune interactions: glial cells (microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes) as CNS immune sentinels, peripheral lymphocyte trafficking, and signaling molecules (cytokines, chemokines, neurotransmitters, complement) that mediate brain immunity.
• Blood-brain barrier and neurovascular unit: structure of the BBB, mechanisms of its disruption in disease, and how immune cell entry via adhesion molecules and chemokines drives neuroinflammation.
• Loss of immune tolerance: genetic (HLA) and environmental triggers, failure of central/peripheral tolerance mechanisms, epitope spreading, and the regulatory role of T cells in preventing autoimmune CNS attack.
• Pathogenic antibodies and B-cell biology: intrathecal antibody production (oligoclonal bands), mechanisms of antibody-mediated damage (complement, ADCC, neutralization), and therapeutic targeting of B cells and plasma cells.
• Clinical diagnostic and therapeutic framework: practical algorithms integrating history, exam, MRI, CSF, and serology; acute therapies (steroids, IVIG, PLEX); long‑term immunosuppressants; emerging targeted treatments (complement inhibitors, IL‑6 blockade, BTK inhibitors, cell‑based strategies).

Who's It For:

This book is designed for neurologists, immunologists, psychiatrists, and other clinicians involved in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune neurological disorders, as well as advanced practice providers and trainees seeking a clinically oriented, evidence‑based guide. It bridges basic neuroimmunologic science with bedside decision‑making, offering practical algorithms and therapeutic strategies that are directly applicable to patients with multiple sclerosis, autoimmune encephalitis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, MOG antibody‑associated disease, and related conditions.