Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome (PNS) and autoimmune encephalitis (AE) are both autoantibody-related neurological disorders, but PNS is a subset of AE specifically triggered by cancer. Both conditions involve the immune system attacking the brain due to mistaken identity, with PNS occurring when the immune response against a hidden tumor also targets neural tissues. Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical symptoms, MRI, CSF analysis, and specific autoantibody testing, with treatment focused on addressing the underlying cancer for PNS and on immunosuppression for AE.
Autoantibodies associated with PNS and AE are classified by their target, which can be intracellular or on the surface of neural cells. Common intracellular autoantibodies include anti-Hu, anti-Ri, anti-CRMP5, anti-amphiphysin, anti-Ma1, and anti-Ma2, are often called “high-risk” autoantibodies and generally thought to be markers for an underlying cancer. Autoantibodies targeting neural surface antigens, such as those in autoimmune encephalitis include anti-NMDA, anti-AMPA, anti-LGI1, and anti-CASPR2, are considered pathogenic, as they can directly damage neurons, and are associated with better responses to immunotherapy. The 34 antigens included in GeneCopoeia’s OmicsArray™ PNS and AE antigen array were chosen based on the comprehensive review of published studies. The superior-quality purified antigens were coated onto the 3D surface of microchips to ensure that antigens retain their natural conformations. Internal Ig and anti-Ig controls are included in each array for normalization and quantification purposes. Additionally, the utilization of fluorescent 2nd antibodies in our microarrays allows for the detection of two types (IgG, IgM, or IgA) of antibodies on the same array, minimizing the requirement of sample needed.Reference:
- Autoantibodies in paraneoplastic neurological syndrome. Am J Med Sci. 2000;319(4):217-226.
- Autoimmune Encephalitis and Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes: A Nationwide Study on Epidemiology and Antibody Testing Performance. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2024;11(6):e200318.
- Autoimmune encephalitis. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2025;11(1):65. Published 2025 Sep 11.
In addition to premade arrays, arrays containing customized sets of antigens are available, as well as array processing kits, array profiling services and data analysis. To order premade or custom arrays, please contact us.
GeneCopoeia’s OmicsArray™ Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome (PNS) Antigen Array is part of the GeneCopoeia OmicsArray™ Antigen Microarray family.
Premade Antigen Arrays
The listed chip prices apply to academic customers. For custom arrays and services pricing, please contact us.
Prices are for customers from the U.S. and Canada only. For other customers, please contact your local distributor for details.
Antigen microarray processing kits and accessories
Prices are for customers from the U.S. and Canada only. For other customers, please contact your local distributor for details.
Custom services
GeneCopoeia offers custom antigen microarray services in the following areas:- Custom array printing. GeneCopoeia will create custom antigen microarrays built to your specifications.
- Sample processing. Send us your blood, plasma, tissue, or other biological sample and we will prepare it for processing and incubation with any of our premade antigen microarrays or custom-built antigen microarrays for autoantibody profiling and other applications. For information on sample types to submit, consult the FAQ
- Data analysis. Once samples are processed and incubated with an antigen microarray, we will analyze the raw data. The standard analysis service includes: 1) An Excel file of the Net Signal Intensity (NSI) for each antigen on the array, normalized to internal controls; and 2) a heat map
