Our laboratory studies the paraneoplastic neurologic disorders (PNDs), a set of neurodegenerative disorders that arise in the setting of cancer and are believed to be immune mediated. PND patients harbor high titer autoantibodies targeted to specific tumor and neuronal antigens (termed onconeural antigens). We have used PND antisera to clone and characterize the target antigens. They fall into three groups, each of which are newly discovered proteins that are normally expressed only in neurons.

Studies of the PNDs have led to basic insights into neuron-specific functions that are targeted in autoimmune brain disease, and to clinical insights into both tumor immunity and autoimmunity.

Dr. Darnell is an Investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.