GluN1, GluN2B subunits and MHC-II complex on rat glioblastoma and human neuroblastoma cell lines

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a serious paraneoplastic neuroautoimmune disorder associated with tumors in upwards of 60% of cases occurring in adults. The MHC-II complex on the surface of antigen presenting cells is normally the initiator of an immune response. In cells derived from embryonic epithelium, interferon gamma can induce MHC-II complex formation. In this brief report, we demonstrate that the MHC-II complex is constitutively found on the glioblastoma-like and neuroblastoma cells. Additionally, we demonstrate that the subunits of the NMDA receptor associated with NMDAR encephalitis are located on or near the MHC-II complex. Dysplastic glial cells have recently been described within tumors resected from patients with NMDAR encephalitis, but not from tumors resected from controls. Presentation of the NMDAR by constitutively expressed MHC-II complexes may promote development of the autoimmune response, leading to the development of NMDAR encephalitis. (author)