Hello Reader,

We’re thrilled to share with you valuable resources and opportunities to connect and learn about PANDAS/PANS in our newest edition of the PANDAS Network newsletter.

Inside, you’ll find the recording of a new PANDAS/PANS discovery by a talented young PANDAS/PANS biomedical researcher, a save-the-date for an upcoming PANDAS/PANS presentation by Dr. Craig Shimasaki, and details and Zoom link for our newest support group meeting. We hope this will provide inspiration, knowledge, and support for families and medical professionals navigating PANDAS/PANS.

But first, here is how you can rewatch our latest webinar.

Missed Our Last Webinar? Watch It Now!

If you attended our last webinar with Dr. Chandra Menendez we would like to thank you for attendance and participation. If you missed it, or if you want to rewatch the webinar, the recording is now available on our YouTube channel! Make sure to give it a like and drop a comment below the video with your questions.

If you weren't in attendance, Dr. Menendez discussed her newest discovery suggesting why some children with PANDAS/PANS develop severe, uncontrollable, whiplash-like movements, while others develop tics, and obsessive compulsive behaviors. These molecular features of PANDAS/PANS are being measured in a autoimmunity panel from Moleculera Labs.

Speaking of Moleculera, our upcoming webinar guest is Moleculera Labs President and CEO, Dr. Craig Shimasaki.

Don't Miss Our Upcoming Webinar With Dr. Craig Shimasaki

Webinar Title: Can Infections Trigger Neuropsychiatric Symptoms? What is the Connection between Infections, the Immune System, and the Brain? Case Studies and Treatment Resolution Using the Autoimmune Brain Panel™

Webinar Abstract: Certain areas around the world have seen an increase in Group A Streptococcus infections, which has led to an increase in invasive strep infections and even Scarlet Fever. With this resurgence of streptococcal infections, it is essential to recognize the possibility of a resurgence of associated post-streptococcal sequela such as rheumatic fever, Sydenham Chorea, and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal infection (PANDAS). Streptococcal infection can trigger an autoimmune response in which autoantibodies are generated to attack the heart, as in the case of rheumatic fever. It has also been shown to trigger anti-neuronal antibodies that attack portions of the brain, such as the basal ganglia, in the cases of Sydenham Chorea and PANDAS.

In this talk, we will review the biology of how common infections such as strep can result in an immune-mediated response directed against specific brain targets, resulting in psychiatric and behavioral symptoms. We’ll briefly review the biology of a common pathway called molecular mimicry and how this can lead to infection-triggered, immune-mediated neuropsychiatric disorders such as PANDAS/PANS, Sydenham Chorea, and other behavioral disorders. We will then review multiple case studies utilizing the five biomarker targets in the Autoimmune Brain Panel™ (formerly known as the Cunningham Panel) and their connection to clinical symptoms. We will then summarize the treatment categories that have been shown to be effective in ameliorating these symptoms.

You Are Not Alone: Come Listen, Share, and Learn in Our Upcoming Support Group

​Our virtual support group is a warm, welcoming space for parents, caregivers, and anyone affected by PANDAS/PANS to share experiences, ask questions, and find encouragement. All are welcome—come connect with our compassionate community!

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We’re grateful for your continued support and dedication. Together we can make a difference!

Diana Pohlman,

Executive Director, PANDAS Network

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