Epigenetic shifts and synaptopathy in brain encephalitis

Cytotoxic T cells targeting of the brain in infectious and autoimmune diseases leads to functional and synaptic impairments

 but the mechanisms remain unclear.

The researchers show a neuronal epigenetic remodeling during CNS encephalitis. This program involves IFNγ-driven persistent reduction in TF binding site accessibility, linked to long lasting reduction of synaptic gene expression and associated synaptopathy.

Parallel findings in Rasmussen encephalitis patient neurons point toward a conserved cross-species mechanism.

https://www.cell.com/neuron/fulltext/S0896-6273(25)00853-0

https://sciencemission.com/IFN%CE%B3-driven-persistent-epigenetic