Laboratory main interests
The laboratory is capable of performing many methodologies including: cell culture -fluorescence microscopy, immunohistochemistry, immunoassays (ELISA, Western-blot, etc.), protein and lipid chemistry.
The main objective of the laboratory is the detection, characterization and quantification of anti-neuronal antibodies as well as the determination of biological markers for neurological diseases. Some of the target antigens of the antibodies studied include: MAG, SGPG, GM1, CD1a, sulfatide, and GM2. The laboratory has also previously been designated as a reference center for performing the 14-3-3 protein test for spongiform encephalopathy.
In close collaboration with other validated laboratories in Greece, within the framework of research protocols, it is able to search for antibodies against practically all known antigens involved in demyelinating diseases (such as: anti-AQP4, anti-MOG, anti-GFAP and anti-AQP1 antibodies).
The laboratory has created, maintained and developed a large biobank of well-characterized biological samples (serum and CSF) for patients with neuro-immune / demyelinating diseases, which are followed in the Unit of Demyelinating Diseases of the Clinic. A biobase is closely linked to the corresponding clinical and laboratory database, including patients with paraproteinemic neuropathies. Both bases are valuable for the search for new autoantigens and autoantibodies and for the study of their pathogenic role, with the ultimate aim the better treatment of the patients.
Recent laboratory research interests include:
a. Coordination of a Panhellenic study (in collaboration with 8 neurological clinics) for the detection of anti-MOG antibodies in patients with demyelinating diseases, including optic neuromyelitis, optic neuritis, myelitis, encephalomyelitis, autoimmune encephalitis and atypical multiple sclerosis
b. Study of autoantibodies against a new autoantigen in neuromyelitis optica (aquaporin-1, AQP1): clinical-radiological characterization of AQP1-positive patients' antibodies.
c. Study of atypical forms of multiple sclerosis.
d. Target antigens in paraprotein neuropathies.
Head of the Laboratory:
Konstantinos Kilidireas, Associate Professor of Neurology-Neuroimmunology
Laboratory members:
Ioanna Mamali, Ph.D. Biologist
Dimitriοs Tzanetakos, Neurologist, Academic Fellow
Contact Phone: 210 7289236