Detection of autoantibody against extracellular epitopes of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor by cell-based assay

► We stably expressed mutant NMDAR on HEK 293T cell surface. ► Autoantibodies from anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients recognize extracellular epitopes of GluRzeta1 subunit and induce internalization of it. ► The specificity of the on-cell Western was improved at 37 °C. ► Our assays will be valuable for the diagnosis, evaluation of clinical treatments, and follow up of anti-NMDAR encephalitis.