But there are still many unanswered questions surrounding the disorder, including how commonly it actually sickens people.
The phages were then exposed to the patients cerebrospinal fluid.
As they hoped, some antibodies bonded to phages displaying certain proteins, indicating a potential autoimmune response.
Brain MRI scans.© Nur Ceren Demir via Getty
Further study and sequencing revealed that the patients antibodies were attacking the CD320 protein.
By definition, healthy controls with these antibodies also dont appear to have neurological issues as a result.
But it might also be true that simply having these antibodies alone isnt enough to cause problems.
And the second thing we want to do is explore the healthy control mystery, Pluvinage said.
The teams research does seem to have already helped its first patient at least.
The patients earlier immunosuppressive treatment likely helped stabilize her symptoms, allowing her to play the piano again.
And following the teams discovery of these antibodies, the woman was given high doses of B12 supplements.
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