Study of neuronal antibodies in paediatric epilepsy

An autoimmune disease is one in which the immune system, a 'defending army’ intended to protect our body from external agents, attacks the body's own healthy cells and tissues which are mistakenly perceived as foreign or abnormal. This causes production of substances called auto-antibodies that target our own cells. When the targets of this attack are healthy brain cells (neurons) and their proteins, patients suffer from seizures and epilepsy. The main existing treatments – immunotherapy, such as steroids – dampen the body's abnormal immune response. This has significant side-effects as healthy cells are also affected. 

I will find out why these brain autoantibodies cause epilepsy and seizures. I will also develop treatments that work to reverse the damage caused by the disruption of the brain protein under attack as well as targeting the immune system. 

The new treatments would result in a quicker recovery,  lower doses of immunotherapy and improved long-term brain function.