The therapeutic effect of ofatumumab in autoimmune encephalitis: A case series

J Neuroimmunol. 2023 Apr 15:377:578062. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2023.578062. Epub 2023 Mar 6.

Abstract

The management of autoimmune encephalitis (AE) with immunotherapy is non-standardized, especially in refractory AE. Ofatumumab (OFA), an anti-CD20 antibody, has not been reported in the treatment of AE. This study presented three AE cases that received the OFA treatment. OFA was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 20 mg two or three times within three weeks. There were some mild adverse effects, including low-grade fever and dizziness. They had favorable responses (reduced antibody titer and clinical symptom improvement). Their symptoms were stable and even improved during a three-month follow-up. Thus, OFA injection is demonstrated to be safe and effective in treating AE. This is the first report about OFA treatment in AE, depicting its potential as a therapeutic option.

Keywords: Autoimmune encephalitis; B cell depletion therapy; Ofatumumab; Rituximab.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal* / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use
  • Antigens, CD20
  • Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System* / drug therapy
  • Encephalitis
  • Hashimoto Disease
  • Humans
  • Rituximab

Substances

  • ofatumumab
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, CD20
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Rituximab

Supplementary concepts

  • Hashimoto's encephalitis