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Accepted manuscript

The role of autoantibodies in the neuropsychiatric manifestations of 22q11 deletion syndrome

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 November 2025

Suzain Ali
Affiliation:
Dept. Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta
Bradley Pearce*
Affiliation:
Dept. Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta
*
Corresponding author: Brad D. Pearce, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health; Emory University 1518 Clifton Rd. CNR 4049 (1518-002-AA) Atlanta, GA 30322 Office Phone (404) 727-4914; Fax: 404-727-8737 Email:bpearce@emory.edu
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Abstract

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The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is a genetic disorder characterized by defined microdeletions at chromosome 22q11.2. These genetic changes lead to a variety of neurodevelopmental problems, including cognitive delays and a very high rate of symptoms on the autism and schizophrenia spectrum. The underlying mechanisms contributing to these neurodevelopmental manifestations remain poorly understood. In concert with these neurodevelopmental difficulties there are also immune system alterations, including autoimmunity. We hypothesize that immune dysfunction, and the presence of circulating autoantibodies may play a role in the pathophysiology of these neuropsychiatric symptoms. In this review, we synthesize the diverse literature on autoantibodies in 22q11DS and propose mechanisms for a causative role of these autoantibodies in neurobehavioral problems such as psychosis and cognitive delays. This review highlights the importance of further research to explore the interaction between autoreactive antibodies and functional alterations in neurocircuitry function. Understanding this relationship may provide insight into the origins of psychiatric symptoms.

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Perspective
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution and reproduction, provided the original article is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Scandinavian College of Neuropsychopharmacology